How pregnancy stress affects mothers' ability to care for their babies
Official title: Psychobiological Mediators of the Impact of Pregnancy Stress on Maternal Sensitivity
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11137303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress during pregnancy can affect a mom's mental health and her ability to care for her baby, so we can find ways to help both moms and their little ones feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $157,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD111716-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women experiencing high levels of stress or mental health symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without significant stress or mental health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of stress during pregnancy on mothers' mental health and their caregiving abilities. It aims to understand how mental health symptoms and hormonal changes interact during pregnancy and influence maternal sensitivity after childbirth. By tracking these factors over time, the study seeks to identify critical links that could help improve outcomes for both mothers and their children. The research will involve assessments of mental health and hormone levels in pregnant women to uncover patterns that may affect caregiving behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and interventions for pregnant women experiencing stress, enhancing maternal sensitivity and child outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing mental health during pregnancy can positively impact maternal and child outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lonstein, Joseph S — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Lonstein, Joseph S
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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.