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-11161002 · 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 ways to reduce risks for conditions 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 | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,250 |
| NIH project number | 3R00HL161355-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161002 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 be at higher risk for cardiometabolic disorders.
✕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. By analyzing data from existing cohorts and collecting new information from pregnant and postpartum women, the study aims to uncover the links between life stressors and cardiometabolic health outcomes. This could lead to better understanding and interventions for at-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for pregnant women by identifying and addressing the effects of stress and trauma on cardiometabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: While some evidence exists regarding the impact of stress and trauma on health, this specific approach focusing on pregnancy and cardiometabolic outcomes is relatively novel.
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.