How prenatal stress affects inflammation in unborn babies
Official title: Prenatal stress exposures and fetal inflammation during mid-gestation
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10833662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress in pregnant moms can affect inflammation in both them and their babies, especially during the middle of pregnancy, to help understand how stress might impact the health of mothers and their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,731 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD109723-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals experiencing psychosocial stress, particularly those from communities of color or low socioeconomic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without significant psychosocial stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal psychosocial stress on inflammation in both mothers and their unborn children during mid-gestation. It aims to understand how factors like stressful life events and lack of social support can lead to increased inflammation, which may affect fetal health. By analyzing maternal samples, the study seeks to uncover the relationship between maternal stress, inflammation, and fetal development, particularly in communities that experience higher levels of stress. The findings could help improve health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions to reduce the risks of preterm birth and improve fetal health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown a correlation between maternal stress and inflammation, but this research aims to explore this relationship in a novel way during mid-gestation.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eick, Stephanie Marie — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Eick, Stephanie Marie
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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.