Leg Heating to Improve Blood Vessel Health in Pregnant Women With Obesity

This trial is testing whether a simple, at-home leg heating treatment can help pregnant women who are overweight or obese stay healthier during pregnancy. Researchers believe that regularly exposing your legs to gentle heat—similar to a warm blanket—may improve how your blood vessels work and lower the risk of serious pregnancy complications like high blood pressure. You would use a heated sauna blanket on your legs 4 times a week for 45 minutes at a time, while researchers monitor your blood vessel health and blood pressure throughout your pregnancy.

Pregnant women who are overweight or obese have a much higher risk of developing dangerous high blood pressure during pregnancy, but exercise—the standard way to prevent this—is hard for many pregnant women to stick with. This trial exists to see if a safer, easier, and more convenient alternative like leg heating can give many of the same health benefits without requiring strenuous exercise.