How maternal stress during pregnancy affects child brain development
Psychosocial unpredictability during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment: Uncovering mechanisms and sensitive windows in utero
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-10904930
This study is looking at how stress that moms experience during pregnancy might affect their baby's brain development, with the goal of finding ways to help reduce any risks for future mental health issues in kids.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10904930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how unpredictable psychosocial stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy can influence the neurodevelopment of their children. It focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that connect maternal stress to potential psychiatric issues in offspring. By utilizing advanced techniques such as fetal brain imaging and monitoring maternal-infant cortisol levels, the study aims to identify critical periods during pregnancy when the fetus is most vulnerable to stress. The findings could help in developing interventions to mitigate these risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals experiencing significant psychosocial stress, particularly those from historically minoritized backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not experience psychosocial stress may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders in children by addressing maternal stress during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that maternal stress can significantly impact child development, indicating that this approach has a foundation in established findings.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HENDRIX, CASSANDRA LEI — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: HENDRIX, CASSANDRA LEI
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 below.