How opioids affect mothers' brain and behavior after childbirth

Opioids and Maternal Brain-Behavior Adaptation During the Early Postpartum

['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-10666546

This study is looking at how using opioids affects new moms' brains and behaviors after giving birth, and it’s exploring whether treatment with buprenorphine can help them feel better and be more connected with their babies.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10666546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of opioid use disorder on maternal brain function and behavior during the early postpartum period. It focuses on how buprenorphine treatment can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and improve maternal caregiving behaviors. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to understand the neurobiological changes that occur in mothers who have used opioids and how these changes affect their interactions with their infants. The findings could provide insights into improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant or postpartum women who are experiencing opioid use disorder and are receiving or considering buprenorphine treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by opioid use disorder or who are not in the postpartum period may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment strategies for mothers with opioid use disorder, ultimately enhancing maternal-infant bonding and reducing risks of child maltreatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of opioid use on maternal behaviors, but this specific approach examining the neurobiological aspects in postpartum women is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

STONY BROOK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Affective Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.