Preconception exposure to everyday chemicals and healthy pregnancy outcomes
Official title: Preconception and early pregnancy exposure to environmentally and biologically persistent chemicals: Impacts on establishing a healthy pregnancy
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11425905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A preconception study will look at how common chemicals in the environment and some metals may affect a couple’s chances of getting pregnant and carrying a healthy baby.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $752,690 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038845-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People planning to conceive who are exposed to environmental chemicals like PFAS, PBDEs, and trace metals.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not planning pregnancy or those without exposure to the studied chemicals may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows people planning pregnancy to see if prior exposure to chemicals like PFAS, PBDEs, and metals influences fertility and the ability to have a healthy live birth. It uses a mix of environmental exposure data, epidemiology methods, and data from an existing preconception study (EAGeR) to understand how these substances might affect ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy. By combining new measurements with secondary data, the study aims to provide fresh evidence on how combined exposures could impact reproductive health. The work is grounded in a team with expertise in environmental health, biostatistics, and exposure assessment to translate findings into clearer guidance for families planning pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform guidelines to reduce harmful exposures for people trying to conceive and improve chances of a healthy pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have explored individual chemicals; this study advances knowledge by examining mixtures and prospective pregnancy outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nobles, Carrie — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Nobles, Carrie
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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.