Investigating pregnancy exposures that may cause birth defects

Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention: Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS (BD STEPS Core and Stillbirth)

NIH-funded research Massachusetts State Dept of Pub Health · NIH-10907400

This study is looking at ways to help pregnant women reduce the risk of birth defects by understanding how different things during pregnancy can affect their baby's health, and it will also help train new researchers in this important area.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts State Dept of Pub Health NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10907400 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on identifying modifiable risk factors for structural birth defects by evaluating pregnancy exposures. The Massachusetts Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention will utilize existing data and collaborate with local universities to conduct multiple research projects over the grant period. These projects aim to provide valuable insights that can help inform women about safer pregnancy practices and reduce the risk of birth defects. The research will also involve mentoring future researchers in the field.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant who are interested in understanding the impact of various exposures on birth defects.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or not planning to become pregnant may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved counseling for women regarding pregnancy exposures that are less likely to result in birth defects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying risk factors for birth defects through similar epidemiological approaches.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.