NCT06397794 · Children's National Research Institute
Navigating Pregnancy and Parenthood With Lyme Disease
What this study is about
This is a mixed methods study exploring the experiences of pregnancy and parenting among participants with Lyme disease. Eligible participants will have been diagnosed with Lyme disease (LD), post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), and/or chronic Lyme (CL) either during or before a prior pregnancy.
View original scientific description
This is a mixed methods study exploring the experiences of pregnancy and parenting among participants with Lyme disease. Eligible participants will have been diagnosed with Lyme disease (LD), post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), and/or chronic Lyme (CL) either during or before a prior pregnancy. Participants will complete quantitative surveys on topics such as their medical history, their child(ren)'s development, and demographic information. They will then participate in a qualitative interview where they will be asked about their experiences with pregnancy and with parenting their child(ren) in the context of their condition.
Interventions
OTHER
Quantitative surveys and qualitative interview
All participants will complete online surveys on topics including demographic and socioeconomic information, medical history (parent and child), pregnancy history, and mental health and well-being. They will then participate in a qualitative interview about their pregnancy and parenting experiences as gestational parents with Lyme disease.
Primary outcome measures
Understand the lived experiences of pregnancy and parenting among gestational parents with LD, PTLDS, and/or CL
Time frame: 3/20/2024 - 3/1/2025
Semi-structured qualitative interviews will be conducted with parents with LD, PTLDS, and/or CL to understand their lived experience. The interviewer will follow a structured interview guide about participants' Lyme disease history, pregnancy, parenting experience, relationships, and their priorities. The interviewer will ask open-ended questions to understand participants' context and allow participants to share what they feel is important to them.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Over 18 years of age and reside in the United States or Canada
- Diagnosed with acute Lyme disease, PTLDS, and/or Chronic Lyme by a health care provider while they were pregnant OR PTLDS/CL prior to becoming pregnant with ongoing symptoms during pregnancy
Exclusion criteria
- Under 18 years of age
- Live outside of the United States or Canada
- Never been diagnosed with Lyme disease by a medical provider
- Never been pregnant
- Never given birth to a liveborn infant
- Previously participated in a qualitative study about their experience with Lyme disease
- Do not want to agree to having their interviews audio recorded
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Collaborators
Clinical Trials Network for Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations