How exposure to phthalates during pregnancy affects mothers' heart and metabolic health.
Official title: Pregnancy and postpartum as vulnerable exposure windows: phthalates and maternal cardiometabolic health
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11036390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how everyday chemicals called phthalates might affect moms' health during and after pregnancy, especially in relation to weight gain and diabetes, to help find ways to keep mothers healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 2, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $552,592 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033185-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or those who have recently given birth, particularly those concerned about their metabolic health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or have not recently given birth may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to phthalates, which are chemicals found in many everyday products, can impact maternal health during pregnancy and postpartum. It focuses on understanding how these exposures may lead to issues such as excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, and long-term risks for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. By studying various pregnancy cohorts, the research aims to identify critical periods when mothers are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects. The findings could help in developing strategies to protect maternal health during and after pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for mothers by identifying harmful exposures and informing guidelines to mitigate risks during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental exposures during pregnancy can significantly impact maternal and child health, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James-Todd, Tamarra M — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: James-Todd, Tamarra M
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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.