How prenatal alcohol exposure affects maternal and fetal metabolism

Maternal Fetal Metabolic Disruption in Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10991487

This study looks at how drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect a mother's metabolism and her baby's growth, using mice to help us understand the connection between the two, with hopes of finding ways to support healthier pregnancies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10991487 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the metabolic processes of both mothers and their developing fetuses. It aims to understand how alcohol consumption during pregnancy disrupts maternal metabolism, which in turn affects fetal growth and development. Using a mouse model, the study will explore the relationship between maternal insulin resistance and fetal glucose availability, providing insights into the mechanisms behind fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The findings could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for affected pregnancies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who consume alcohol or have a history of alcohol use during pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and managing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding metabolic disruptions can lead to significant advancements in managing prenatal conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.