Investigating brain changes during pregnancy using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Longitudinal investigation of neuroplasticity during pregnancy using multiple imaging modalities
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11118888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pregnancy changes the brain and how those changes might affect mental health, and it's for pregnant individuals who want to help us understand this important time in their lives by participating in some MRI scans over nine months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 17, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $670,804 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136399-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who are willing to participate in multiple MRI scans throughout their pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who cannot undergo MRI scans due to medical contraindications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the significant neurobiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their potential impact on mental health. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as structural, diffusion, and functional MRI, the study will track brain changes in 100 pregnant individuals over the course of nine months. Participants will undergo four MRI scans throughout their pregnancy, allowing researchers to analyze how brain structure and function evolve during this critical period. The multidisciplinary team involved brings expertise in developmental neuroscience, mental health, and imaging science to ensure a comprehensive understanding of these changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for pregnant individuals by enhancing our understanding of the neurobiological changes that occur during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain changes during pregnancy using similar imaging techniques, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Humphreys, Kathryn Leigh — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Humphreys, Kathryn Leigh
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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.