NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Effects of chemical exposure during pregnancy on mothers and babies

Official title: Impact of BTEX Chemical Exposure During Pregnancy to Maternal and Fetal Well-Being

Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10867388 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the air during pregnancy might affect the health of moms and their babies, especially in relation to preterm births, and it aims to find ways to keep both mothers and their little ones healthier.

More Pregnancy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project startSeptember 8, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$308,664
NIH project number5P42ES030991-03
Project IDNIH-10867388 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant women living in urban areas, particularly those in cities with high rates of preterm births.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not pregnant or those who are not exposed to VOCs may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to certain chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), during pregnancy affects the health of both mothers and their babies. The study focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that lead to preterm births and other health issues by examining inflammation in the placenta and its impact on the fetal immune system. By analyzing these effects, the research aims to identify potential risks and develop strategies to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes. Patients may be involved in providing data or samples to help understand these health impacts better.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for pregnant women and their infants by identifying harmful exposures and informing public health interventions.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that exposure to environmental pollutants can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Wayne State University
    Detroit, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mor, Gil G — Wayne State University
  • Study coordinator: Mor, Gil G

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Impact of VOCs in Pregnancy on Baby and Mom’s Health

    This project looks at how exposure to airborne chemicals during pregnancy could affect a mom’s health and a baby’s growth and immune system.

    NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-11394819

  • How common air pollutants during pregnancy affect mothers and babies

    This project looks at whether breathing certain air chemicals during pregnancy changes mothers' and newborns' immune health.

    NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-11122286

  • How air pollution during pregnancy affects fetal growth over time

    This study looks at how air pollution affects the growth of babies in the womb during pregnancy, using ultrasound images to track changes over time, and it aims to help expectant parents understand when their babies might be most at risk from pollution.

    NIH research The Emmes Company, LLC · Rockville, United States · NIH-9986964

  • Healthy work design and worker well-being

    A multi-site program aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by studying how work design affects safety, stress, and quality of life.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11631666

  • Postoperative Pain Guidelines for Pregnancy: Safer, Patient-Centered Opioid Use

    We’re creating patient-friendly guidelines to help doctors manage pain after delivery and surgery in pregnant people, aiming to reduce opioid overuse and improve safety.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11624018

  • HPV and pregnancy risk: a big study following 1,280 pregnancies

    A large pregnancy study at UTMB looks at whether human papillomavirus (HPV) during pregnancy is linked to problems like preterm birth.

    NIH research University of Texas Med Br Galveston · Galveston, United States · NIH-11619930

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.