OKLAHOMA CITY – How fat are our babies? Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center have launched a new study to find out. The ultimate goal is to learn more about how a mother’s health status and weight impacts that of her newborn.

The research in Oklahoma City utilizes a unique device called the “Pea Pod.” It is one of only six in the world and made possible at OU by a grant from the Children’s Medical Research Foundation.

“We’re trying to recruit mothers across the gamut in terms of skinny moms, heavy moms, diabetic moms, gestational diabetic moms. And then we’re looking at the impact of their weight status and diabetic status on the baby,” said David Fields, PhD, a researcher at the OU Health Sciences Center.

Amy Davenport and her daughter, Zoey, are among those who have participated in the research study. “It sounded like a great thing to do, just so we could get more information on infants and health … and I’m really into health and fitness and so it was something my husband and I decided we definitely wanted to participate in.”

In the study, Zoey was weighed. But the weigh-in was not your typical one. Utilizing the Pea Pod, Fields and his ream were able to determine Zoey’s body composition, in other words, lean versus fat.

“They go in this tube,” Fields said, describing the Pea Pod. “It’s like an incubator for all intents and purposes. It’s about 90 degrees in there. So it’s really warm and very comfortable for the baby. Then through air pressure and by measuring the displacement of air, I’m able to tell how much space the baby takes up.”

This is the volume of the child. Next, a simple equation is used (weight over volume) to determine body composition.

“And what’s fascinating is that for the first time we are able to measure body composition in babies as young as one or two days old and up to about 18 pounds in a non-invasive way. There are no needles. It takes about 2 minutes. The baby is in and out and that’s it,” Fields added.

Fields said experts know a large baby is likely to develop into an overweight adult, and a small baby is at higher risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. What is not known is whether high body fat plays a role in both scenarios. For instance, a baby may have a low birth weight, but still have a lot of body fat proportionally; whereas a heavy baby at birth may still be quite lean.

Ultimately, Fields hopes his research will lead to answers that can help doctors take steps to ensure children stay as healthy as possible as they grow up. Pregnant women and mothers with newborns who may be interested in participating in the study can learn more by calling 405-708-3919.

For more information contact Theresa Green at (405) 771-2287.