Effects of prescription opioid use during pregnancy on mothers' mental health after childbirth
Official title: Postpartum Neurobiological Sequelae of Prescription Opioid Use During Pregnancy
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11045070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking prescription opioids while pregnant might affect a mother's mental health after she gives birth, focusing on changes in the brain that could influence feelings and behaviors related to drug use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,608 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DA060209-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are mothers who have used prescription opioids during their pregnancy and are experiencing postpartum mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who did not use prescription opioids during pregnancy or who are not experiencing postpartum mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the use of prescription opioids during pregnancy affects mothers' mental health after giving birth. It focuses on understanding the neurobehavioral changes that occur due to opioid exposure and how these changes may influence drug reward mechanisms postpartum. The study will examine specific brain signaling pathways, particularly involving oxytocin and dopamine, to determine their roles in the mental health of mothers who used opioids during pregnancy. By assessing these factors, the research aims to provide insights into the long-term effects of opioid use on maternal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of postpartum mental health issues in mothers who used opioids during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurobiological impacts of drug use during pregnancy can lead to significant advancements in maternal health, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lujan Perez, Miguel Angel — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Lujan Perez, Miguel Angel
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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.