How prenatal stress affects children's mental health

Timing of prenatal stress and early markers of child psychopathology

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-10837081

This study is looking at how stress during pregnancy might affect a child's behavior and mental health as they grow up, so if you're expecting and want to understand how your feelings could impact your little one, this research could be for you!

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-10837081 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of prenatal stress on the psychological development of children. By following a group of pregnant women and assessing their stress levels weekly, the study aims to identify critical periods during pregnancy that may influence a child's behavior and mental health as they grow. The research will track the children from infancy into their preschool years, focusing on how different timings of stress exposure relate to behavioral issues and self-regulation. This approach combines maternal reports and child assessments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of prenatal stress.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women experiencing varying levels of stress, particularly those who may be at risk for adverse outcomes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have a history of stress-related issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for childhood psychopathology by identifying critical periods for intervention.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that prenatal stress can significantly impact child development, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, 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.