Fully Quantitative Cervical Elastography to Predict Preterm Birth in First-Time Expectant Mothers
Official title: Fully Quantitative Cervical Elastography for Prediction of Preterm Birth in Nulliparous Patients
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11379992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new ultrasound method measures cervical stiffness in first-time pregnant women to help predict who might have a preterm birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $627,604 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109251-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
First-time pregnant individuals (nulliparous) in my gestational window where cervical assessment is clinically indicated.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a need for cervical assessment or those beyond the study’s target gestational window may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a precise, ultrasound-based way to quantify cervical tissue stiffness so clinicians can better identify nulliparous patients at risk for preterm birth. It addresses a key gap where current predictions rely on limited history and cervical length measurements. By standardizing the measurement and eliminating operator variability, the study aims to create reliable risk markers that can be used across clinics. The work will generate data that could guide targeted interventions and improve neonatal outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve early identification of women at risk for preterm birth and enable timely, personalized care to reduce neonatal complications.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies show promise for elastography in assessing cervical remodeling, but this fully quantitative, standardized method is a novel step that requires validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stout, Molly — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Stout, Molly
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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.