Machine learning to predict iron deficiency risk in babies based on mom’s stress during pregnancy
Official title: Machine learning methods to assess risk for prenatal and neonatal iron deficiency anemia from maternal stress exposure
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11384738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast, data-driven approach uses a mother’s stress during pregnancy to help predict which babies might be at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $239,574 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD109373-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384738 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant people in the third trimester and their newborns who may be at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals without stress exposure history or whose data do not reveal iron risk factors may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses machine learning to map how maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy may influence iron deficiency risk for both mother and baby. Researchers will integrate biological and behavioral data to identify pathways that link stress to iron status and to examine how inflammation and neuroendocrine changes could affect iron in the mother and neonate. The goal is to illuminate mechanisms and potential windows for intervention to reduce IDA risk from pregnancy-related stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better identification of at-risk pregnancies and inform targeted strategies to prevent iron deficiency in mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked maternal stress to infant iron status, but this project seeks to clarify mechanisms using machine learning.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reid, Brie M — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Reid, Brie M
Related research
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This project uses computer models to predict which pregnant people and their newborns might develop iron-deficiency anemia after stress during pregnancy.
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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.