Ketamine to reduce postpartum depression and pain after cesarean delivery

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project looks at giving ketamine to women after cesarean birth to see how it affects pain, mood, and recovery while they are lactating. Researchers will study the drug’s tolerable dose, how it moves through the body, and how it acts in the body after cesarean delivery. The goal is to identify a safe, effective dosing plan that could reduce postpartum depression risk and improve pain control for mothers and support newborn care. Results could inform future trials and clinical care for mothers in the postpartum period.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
  Salt Lake City, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Lim, Grace — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
• Study coordinator: Lim, Grace

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Using ketamine to help mothers with depression and pain after cesarean delivery

  This study is looking at how ketamine can help new moms feel better by reducing postpartum depression and pain after a cesarean delivery, and it aims to find the best dose to improve their mood and manage pain safely.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11086759

• Group-based postpartum depression prevention: in-person vs. virtual delivery

  A large study is testing whether the ROSE group program delivered virtually to pregnant people is just as helpful as the in-person version in preventing postpartum depression.

  NIH research University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · Denver, United States · NIH-11606534

• Postpartum depression screening at well-child visits in Arkansas

  A study examines whether adding depression screening at baby visits in Arkansas improves detection and care for new mothers.

  NIH research Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · Little Rock, United States · NIH-11550534

• Trajectories of Positive Motivation and Postpartum Depression Risk

  This project studies how brain reward function and daily mood patterns before and after birth relate to the risk of postpartum depression, with a focus on mothers and babies.

  NIH research Vanderbilt University · Nashville, UNITED STATES · NIH-11458939

• ROSE Scale-Up: Expanding universal postpartum depression prevention for new mothers

  A national effort to roll out the ROSE prevention program to all new mothers, to see if universal use can reduce postpartum depression.

  NIH research Michigan State University · East Lansing, United States · NIH-11417516

• How Medicaid Postpartum Coverage and PPD Screening Could Improve Diabetes and Blood Pressure Care After Birth

  A large NIH grant is studying how extending Medicaid after birth and mandating postpartum depression screening affect care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure.

  NIH research Tulane University of Louisiana · New Orleans, United States · NIH-11401158

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.