How stress and trauma affect heart and metabolic health during and after pregnancy
Official title: Accumulation of stress and trauma across the life course and cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy and postpartum
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11023151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress and trauma in a woman's life can affect her heart and health during and after pregnancy, especially for non-Hispanic Black and low-income women, to help find better ways to support them and reduce risks like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,971 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HL161355-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those who are non-Hispanic Black or from low-income backgrounds, who may have experienced significant stress or trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have a history of stress or trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of stress and trauma experienced throughout life on the heart and metabolic health of women during and after pregnancy. It focuses on understanding how these experiences, particularly among non-Hispanic Black and low-income women, contribute to higher risks of conditions like gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders. The study will analyze data from existing cohorts and collect new information from pregnant and postpartum women to explore these connections. By examining the relationship between life stressors and health outcomes, the research aims to provide insights into improving care for affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for reducing cardiometabolic risks in pregnant women, ultimately improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between stress and adverse health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although this specific focus on pregnancy and trauma is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stanhope, Kaitlyn K — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Stanhope, Kaitlyn K
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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.