Researchers seek Valley volunteers for pregnancy anemia study

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Researchers are seeking Central Valley residents to participate in a study focused on preventing iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and reducing related maternal health complications.

Stanford Medicine researchers and community partners are conducting the study to better understand gaps in care and improve outcomes for pregnant patients. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen.

"We know that about one in 4 to 1 in five pregnant women may have or develop anemia during the course of their pregnancy. The most common cause is iron deficiency anemia, which is a nutritional anemia," said Dr. Irogue Igbinosa, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Stanford Children's Health.

According to the researchers, anemia rates in the United States are significantly higher among Black and Latina mothers. The condition can lead to increased risks of severe bleeding and other maternal health complications.

"And so our research is how can we work together as part of large teams within the health care system and within our communities, our patients who receive the care to understand what are the gaps that we can address," Dr. Igbinosa said.

The study is being conducted by Stanford Medicine PRIHSM, which stands for "Promoting Improvement in Hemorrhage-related Severe Maternal Morbidity." It is an NIH-funded Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence. Stanford Medicine researchers have spent several years working with partners, including Fresno-based BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center, to reduce postpartum hemorrhage.

"We're working with clinics across California to help them better understand what's a better way to approach it. And in doing that, you need to hear from the people who are most affected," said Dr. Deirdre Lyell, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Stanford Children's Health.

The research team is looking for volunteers who have been pregnant since 2022 and were diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Eligible participants are encouraged to complete an online form and may be invited to participate in a one-time, confidential, two-hour virtual focus group offered in English and Spanish.

"They share their experiences. We have a list of questions that we would like to ask all participants, and we invite them to voluntarily share their experiences," said Kata Nemeth, executive program manager for the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center.

Participants will receive a $50 gift card.

Researchers plan to use information gathered through the study to create a toolkit designed to educate both community members and health care providers about anemia and related maternal health concerns.

"The toolkit is kind of a large how-to guide. You know, it includes everything from how to educate providers, tools for patients, tools to, you know, put up on clinic walls to remind people of things like what is anemia and all that," Dr. Lyell said.

By addressing iron deficiency during pregnancy and reducing disparities, researchers hope to lower rates of severe health complications and deaths related to postpartum bleeding.

Information about the survey and how to participate is available here.

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