NOURISH: nutrition and health factors linked to pregnancy outcomes and stillbirth risk
Official title: NOURISH: Nutrition and Outcomes of Reproductive Injury and Stillbirth related Harms
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11415100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how nutrition and stress-related health factors affect placental function to prevent stillbirths in pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,330,987 |
| NIH project number | 5UG1HD119576-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals who may be at risk for placental dysfunction or adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly those affected by stress, dietary factors, or racial inequities.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant people with no risk factors or those not participating in monitoring or nutrition interventions may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a mother’s nutrition and long-term stress influence the placenta and the risk of stillbirth, preeclampsia, fetal growth issues, and gestational diabetes. Researchers will study biomarkers, allostatic load, and dietary patterns to find patterns that predict problems later in pregnancy. The team will explore how nutrition could be a modifiable way to improve pregnancy health and reduce inequities related to race and stress. The work will combine biological measurements with clinical information to develop better risk tools and potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better screening for at-risk pregnancies and nutrition-based strategies to lower stillbirth and related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows links between nutrition, stress, and placental health, but this project seeks to advance predictive approaches for placental dysfunction.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibbins, Karen J — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Gibbins, Karen J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stillbirth Data Hub: Coordinating Center for Big-Data and AI in Stillbirth Research
A national data hub is being built to coordinate data, biorepository, and analytics for stillbirth research using advanced AI and machine learning.
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Genetic roots of stillbirth and developmental disorders
A genetic study from Massachusetts General Hospital will look for inherited and new DNA changes that contribute to stillbirth and related developmental disorders in families.
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Innovative Data Core for Stillbirth Research Center
A data and software core is being built to harmonize and analyze information from multiple sites to uncover why stillbirth happens and to support future prevention.
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Administrative Core for Stillbirth Research Coordinating Center
A coordination core is being funded to organize and manage data, collaborations, and administration to help stillbirth research move forward.
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Stillbirth Data Coordinating Center focusing on AI-powered insights
A national data hub is using advanced AI and machine learning to analyze stillbirth data and help researchers find patterns that could prevent or understand stillbirth.
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Road to Preventing Stillbirth at the University of Utah
A pathway-focused program at the University of Utah aims to reduce stillbirth by improving risk identification and addressing disparities among AIAN and NHPI communities.
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.