Exploring the role of social support during pregnancy on maternal mental health
Official title: Advancing Insight into Maternal Social Support (AIMSS)
Funded at Meredith College · NIH-10203611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how joining a supportive group during pregnancy can help new moms feel better after giving birth, especially when it comes to mood changes, and it’s for any expectant mother interested in finding ways to boost her mental health during and after pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Meredith College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 1, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $354,408 |
| NIH project number | 1R15MH126403-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10203611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who may benefit from enhanced social support during their pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently pregnant or who do not have access to social support resources may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social support programs during pregnancy can impact postpartum mood disorders in new mothers. It focuses on a group-based prenatal care model called CenteringPregnancy, which has shown positive outcomes for maternal and infant health. The study aims to fill gaps in existing research by assessing the mental health benefits of social support not only during the postpartum period but also throughout pregnancy. By analyzing various mental health outcomes, the research seeks to understand the conditions under which social support can effectively reduce postpartum mood disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for mothers, enhancing their well-being and that of their infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown positive outcomes from social support interventions in postpartum settings, but this approach during pregnancy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Meredith College
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prevatt, Betty-Shannon — Meredith College
- Study coordinator: Prevatt, Betty-Shannon
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.