Investigating the effects of COVID-19 on mental health in pregnant women
Official title: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral markers of the neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19: The Generation C-SF pregnancy study
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11015041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting COVID-19 during pregnancy might impact the mental health and thinking skills of moms-to-be and new moms, so we can better understand their needs and provide them with the right support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $717,976 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH127315-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges postpartum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how COVID-19 infection affects the mental health and cognitive functions of pregnant and postpartum women. It aims to explore the long-term neuropsychiatric effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, particularly how inflammation in the body and brain may contribute to these effects. By studying a large cohort of pregnant women, the research will analyze cerebrospinal fluid and other markers to identify potential risks and outcomes associated with COVID-19. The findings could help inform better care and support for affected women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions for pregnant women who have been infected with COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated significant neuropsychiatric effects of COVID-19 in the general population, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for pregnant women as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perez Rodriguez, Maria de Las Mercedes — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Perez Rodriguez, Maria de Las Mercedes
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Spinal fluid and blood markers tied to post‑COVID mental health during pregnancy
This project looks at signs in spinal fluid and blood to better understand mental health and thinking problems after COVID‑19 in pregnant and recently postpartum women.
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How COVID infection or vaccination during pregnancy shapes newborn immunity
This project looks at how getting COVID or a COVID vaccine while pregnant changes a mother's antibodies and a newborn's immune cells.
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Effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and maternal health outcomes
This study is looking at how COVID-19 and its effects on health might impact pregnancy and the health of mothers and babies, especially for those facing challenges in healthcare, to help improve outcomes for everyone during and after pregnancy.
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How maternal health affects newborn immunity to COVID-19
This study looks at how a mother's COVID-19 infection or vaccination can affect her baby's immune system, helping us understand how antibodies are passed from mom to baby and how this might protect them.
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Impact of COVID-19 on maternal opioid use policies
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the rules and support for pregnant women using opioids, especially those who are most at risk, to help improve care for moms and their babies.
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Improving prenatal care for at-risk patients using hybrid models developed during COVID-19.
This study is looking at how mixing in-person doctor visits with online check-ins can help pregnant people, especially those at higher risk, get better care and have a better experience during their pregnancy.
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.