Investigating how trauma affects labor outcomes in Black pregnant individuals
Official title: Prenatal Epigenetics: Trauma and Outcomes of Labor Dysfunction
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10923853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how trauma affects the labor experience for Black pregnant individuals, aiming to understand how stress might change their bodies in ways that could impact childbirth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 17, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NR020847-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black pregnant individuals in their third trimester who have experienced trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black or who are not currently pregnant may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of trauma on labor outcomes specifically in Black pregnant individuals, who face higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. By analyzing biological samples and survey data, the study aims to explore the epigenetic changes linked to trauma and how these changes may influence the physiological systems involved in labor. The approach includes an epigenome-wide association study to identify DNA methylation patterns associated with labor dysfunction. The findings could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for labor complications in Black pregnant individuals, ultimately reducing maternal morbidity and mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the link between trauma and health outcomes, but this specific approach focusing on epigenetics in Black pregnant individuals is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Britt, Abby — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Britt, Abby
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.