How obesity affects uterine contractions during labor
Official title: Metabolic mechanisms of uterine contractility in labor
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10741953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being overweight can affect a woman's uterus during labor, using mice to help understand why some women might have trouble with contractions when giving birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $427,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110610-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women with obesity who are experiencing complications during labor.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how maternal obesity impacts the ability of the uterus to contract effectively during labor. By using a mouse model that mimics the labor patterns of obese women, the study aims to understand the metabolic mechanisms that lead to dysfunctional uterine contractions. The researchers will analyze energy metabolism in the uterine tissue to determine how obesity alters the contractility needed for labor. This could provide insights into why women with obesity face higher risks of complications during childbirth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for labor in obese women, potentially reducing cesarean delivery rates and associated risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding metabolic mechanisms in labor can lead to significant improvements in maternal and neonatal outcomes, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frolova, Antonina I — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Frolova, Antonina I
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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.