Investigating how exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy affects placental function and birth timing

Assessing how Prenatal Phthalate Exposure Disrupts Placental Transcriptional Regulation and Contributes to Changes in Gestational Length

NIH-funded research Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-10975041

This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect the placenta and lead to early births, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our environment can impact pregnancy health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSeattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10975041 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how prenatal exposure to phthalates, which are common environmental chemicals, impacts the placenta and may lead to spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). By analyzing a large dataset of placental samples, the study aims to identify specific molecular changes that occur due to these exposures. The researchers will also explore the role of microRNAs as potential biomarkers for assessing risk and developing interventions. This work seeks to provide insights into how environmental factors can influence pregnancy outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have been exposed to phthalates and are at risk for spontaneous preterm birth.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have no history of exposure to phthalates may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing preterm births and enhancing maternal and neonatal health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in linking environmental exposures to pregnancy outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.