How stress during pregnancy affects new mothers' mental health and caregiving
Official title: Neural Basis of Stress-Derailed Motherhood
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-10817845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress affects the mental health of pregnant and new moms and how it impacts their ability to care for their babies, using lab rats to understand what happens in the brain during stressful times, with the hope of finding better ways to help women who are feeling overwhelmed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $227,499 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD109368-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or new mothers experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have any mental health concerns related to pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of stress on pregnant and postpartum women, focusing on how it affects their mental health and ability to care for their infants. By using a laboratory rat model, the study aims to explore the neural mechanisms involved, particularly the interactions between stress-signaling neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better interventions for women experiencing high levels of stress during pregnancy. The research seeks to identify specific changes in the brain that occur due to stress, which may contribute to maternal depression and anxiety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and support for pregnant women experiencing high stress, ultimately enhancing maternal mental health and infant caregiving.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurobiological effects of stress can lead to significant advancements in treating maternal mental health issues, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lonstein, Joseph S — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Lonstein, Joseph S
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.