Choline for fetal brain protection in pregnant women who drink heavily

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This trial adds neonatal brain imaging to a large study where pregnant women who drink heavily are given either choline or a placebo. Researchers will use MRI-based techniques to see how the baby’s brain develops and how its energy metabolism and connectivity may improve with choline. The goal is to understand whether maternal choline can reduce the impact of alcohol exposure on the fetus and support better infant outcomes. Participation would involve monitoring during pregnancy and infant brain imaging after birth as part of a controlled, blinded trial.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Van Der Kouwe, Andre Jan Willem — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Van Der Kouwe, Andre Jan Willem

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.