How low oxygen levels during pregnancy affect mothers' brain health
Official title: Role of gestational hypoxia in maternal brain health
Funded at University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr · NIH-11054769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how low oxygen levels during pregnancy, often due to sleep apnea, might affect mothers' brain health and behavior, helping us understand potential long-term impacts on their mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $117,226 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD115156-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women experiencing sleep apnea or related conditions that may lead to reduced oxygen levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without sleep apnea or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of gestational hypoxia, often caused by sleep apnea during pregnancy, on the brain health of mothers. It aims to understand how reduced oxygen levels can lead to inflammation in the brain, potentially resulting in cognitive and psychosocial issues both during and after pregnancy. By using a rat model, the study will explore the relationship between these inflammatory responses and changes in maternal behavior and cognition. The findings could provide insights into the long-term effects of pregnancy on women's mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for cognitive and emotional challenges faced by mothers after pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing gestational hypoxia can lead to improvements in maternal health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradshaw, Jessica Lynne — University of North Texas Hlth Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bradshaw, Jessica Lynne
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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.