Effects of fentanyl use during pregnancy on mothers and their babies

Fentanyl use during pregnancy: impact on dam, placenta, and offspring development.

NIH-funded research University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-10750077

This study looks at how using fentanyl during pregnancy can affect moms, their placentas, and their babies, using rats to understand the possible health issues that might arise for both mothers and their little ones.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Jackson, United States)
Project IDNIH-10750077 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how fentanyl use during pregnancy affects the health of mothers, the placenta, and the development of their offspring. Using a rat model, the study examines the physiological changes in mothers who self-administer fentanyl, including impacts on cardiovascular health and stress responses. It also explores how these changes influence placental function and the health outcomes of the newborns, particularly focusing on withdrawal symptoms and developmental impairments. The findings aim to provide insights into the broader implications of opioid use during pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are using or have used fentanyl or other opioids during their pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have not used opioids during pregnancy may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of the risks associated with opioid use during pregnancy, ultimately enhancing maternal and child health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on opioid use during pregnancy, this specific approach using a translational animal model to assess multiple health outcomes is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Jackson, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.