The Maternal Heart Health is an ancillary study of the iGrow study, focusing on the influence of the physical and built environment on the cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy and postpartum cardiovascular health led by Forgive Avorgbedor Ph.D., RN, Esther Leerkes, Ph.D., Laurie Wideman Ph.D., Thomas McCoy, Ph.D., PStat. Our primary goal is to investigate the relationship between the physical environment and cardiometabolic risk factors during pregnancy and the impact on cardiovascular health in the postpartum period. The study measures arterial stiffness via pulse wave velocity, an indicator of long-term cardiovascular health. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation funds the Maternal Heart Health study.

Faculty:

Forgive Avorgbedor, Ph.D., R.N. 

Faculty Webpage: Dr. Avorgbedor

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
School of Nursing Fellow, Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders and Innovators
f_avorgbedo@uncg.edu

Esther Leerkes, Ph.D.

Faculty Webpage: Dr. Esther Leerkes

Jefferson-Pilot Excellence Professor
Human Development and Family Studies
237 Stone Building
emleerke@uncg.edu

Associate Dean for Research, School of HHS
Office of Research Staff Website: HHS OOR Staff

Laurie Wideman, Ph.D.

Faculty Webpage: Dr. Laurie Wideman

Safrit-Ennis Distinguished Professor
Department of Kinesiology
270 Coleman Building
l_widema@uncg.edu

Thomas McCoy, Ph.D., PSTAT

Faculty Webpage: Dr. Thomas McCoy

Clinical Professor, Statistician
School of Nursing
268 Nursing annd Instructional Building
tpmccoy@uncg.edu