AI-powered low-cost ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancy conditions
Official title: AI-driven low-cost ultrasound for automated quantification of hypertension, preeclampsia, and IUGR
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11401130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, affordable ultrasound AI system helps frontline workers identify pregnancy complications like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and restricted fetal growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $594,672 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110480-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals in underserved settings participating in the two validation cohorts (rural Guatemala and urban Georgia).
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the study cohorts or those not meeting eligibility for the validation cohorts may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to validate a low-cost, AI-assisted ultrasound tool in large underserved pregnancy populations in rural Guatemala and urban Georgia. Researchers will compare the AI-based measurements for IUGR, hypertension, and preeclampsia with standard diagnostic methods to see if they can be as accurate as current high-cost options. The study builds on prior work with point-of-care Doppler data to create practical, scalable screening that could reach where care is limited. If successful, the technology could expand access to timely detection and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tool could enable earlier, more widespread detection of dangerous pregnancy conditions at low cost.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary AI-based ultrasound approaches have shown promise in detecting IUGR and hypertension in pregnancy, but large-scale validation in diverse settings is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clifford, Gari David — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Clifford, Gari David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Low-cost AI ultrasound to detect high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and poor fetal growth
This effort uses an inexpensive ultrasound with AI to find high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and fetal growth problems in pregnant people, especially in underserved communities.
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Using AI to create affordable ultrasound technology for detecting pregnancy complications
This study is testing a new, affordable ultrasound system that uses artificial intelligence to help healthcare workers in rural Guatemala and urban Georgia better detect serious pregnancy issues like high blood pressure and growth problems in babies, making sure more moms and babies get the care they need.
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Dynamic risk prediction and subtyping of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
A digital health approach uses AI to spot early warning signs of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension from pregnancy data, so clinicians can tailor care for pregnant people.
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Understanding how genes and environment interact to cause preeclampsia and later high blood pressure in mothers
This project looks at why some pregnancies develop preeclampsia and how it relates to long-term blood pressure and heart health in mothers.
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Children's long-term health after treating chronic hypertension in pregnancy
This grant studies how giving antihypertensive medicine during pregnancy for women with chronic high blood pressure affects their children’s health as they grow up.
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Reducing chronic high blood pressure after preeclampsia to protect heart and vessels
A randomized trial tests whether more intensive blood pressure control in the weeks after giving birth can lower long-term high blood pressure and improve blood vessel health in women who had a hypertensive pregnancy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.