Oxytocin sensitivity and postpartum bleeding risk markers
Official title: Oxytocin sensitivity and postpartum hemorrhage: testing genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for improving maternal morbidity
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11362224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at genetic and epigenetic clues to predict and prevent heavy bleeding after childbirth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $715,188 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111125-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who are pregnant and at risk for postpartum hemorrhage, especially those with labors induced or with a personal/family history of hemorrhage and people of color.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without the identified risk factors or without a role in the biomarker analyses may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Postpartum hemorrhage affects a significant number of births in the U.S. and is linked to higher risk for people of color and during induced labor. The study will explore how genetic and epigenetic factors influence how the uterus responds to oxytocin, a drug used to start or augment labor and to control bleeding after delivery. Researchers will examine biological markers and biosocial factors to improve prediction of who might experience heavy bleeding and who may need additional treatments. The goal is to identify new risk indicators that could guide personalized care and reduce maternal morbidity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better identification of at-risk patients and more targeted interventions to prevent severe postpartum hemorrhage.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows oxytocin response varies among individuals and that biomarkers can relate to uterine contractility, but precise predictive biomarkers are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Elise N — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Elise N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
-
Maternal Postpartum Monitoring with a Wearable Sensor (MOMS)
A wearable system called MOMS will continuously monitor multiple physiological signals in pregnant people to detect postpartum hemorrhage earlier than standard vital signs.
-
AI-powered real-time postpartum hemorrhage risk predictor in clinical care
A real-time AI tool integrated into electronic health records helps identify women at risk for postpartum hemorrhage so clinicians can intervene earlier.
-
Targeting Ubiquitination to Improve Uterotonic Therapies in Postpartum Hemorrhage
A new approach aims to boost uterine contractions during childbirth and after delivery by understanding how a hormone receptor is regulated, potentially reducing postpartum hemorrhage risk.
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Personalized Postpartum Bleeding Risk Prediction with Machine Learning and Genetic Scores
This grant aims to create a personalized tool that predicts a mother’s risk of postpartum hemorrhage using machine learning and her genetic information.
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OPTIMUM OB-TXA: Timing, route, and dose of tranexamic acid to prevent postpartum bleeding before cord clamping
Aims to find the best time, method, and amount of tranexamic acid given before cord clamping to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in new mothers and protect babies.
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.