How air pollution during pregnancy affects fetal growth over time

AMBIENT AIR POLLUTION EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY AND LONGITUDINAL FETAL GROWTH

NIH-funded research The Emmes Company, LLC · NIH-9986964

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionThe Emmes Company, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rockville, United States)
Project IDNIH-9986964 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of air pollution exposure on fetal growth throughout pregnancy. By utilizing longitudinal data from a large cohort of pregnancies, the study aims to identify how different levels of air pollutants affect the growth patterns of fetuses, particularly among various ethnic groups. The research employs ultrasound measurements taken at multiple points during pregnancy to assess changes in fetal development, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors influence growth. The findings could help identify critical periods during pregnancy when fetuses are most vulnerable to air pollution.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals, particularly those living in areas with varying levels of air pollution and from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who are not exposed to significant levels of air pollution may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for pregnant individuals to minimize exposure to harmful air pollutants, potentially enhancing fetal health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between air pollution and fetal growth, but this research aims to provide more detailed longitudinal insights, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Rockville, 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.