Opioid exposure in pregnancy: how it affects placental health and baby outcomes
Official title: Multimodal Analysis of Gestational Health and Placental Injury in Opioid-Affected Pregnancies
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11454740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looking at how opioids taken during pregnancy might change the placenta and impact the baby’s growth and health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $964,853 |
| NIH project number | 4R01DA059176-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals with opioid exposure (illicit or prescribed) and their babies, or those at risk of placental dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant people without opioid exposure are less likely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine how both illicit and prescribed opioids influence placental development and function, including the cells that make up the placental barrier and the signals they release. Researchers will use human placental tissue and relevant biological models to understand changes in the placenta’s ability to support a healthy pregnancy. By focusing on how opioids affect placental differentiation, immune function, and hormone production, the study aims to identify mechanisms behind fetal growth restriction and neonatal withdrawal risks. The findings could help guide safer pain management for pregnant people and inform interventions to protect newborn health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better strategies to protect placental health and reduce risks for babies born to opioid-exposed pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Past research shows placental biology is affected by opioids, but direct effects on placental development are still being explored, making this approach important and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ouyang, Yingshi — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Ouyang, Yingshi
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.