The impact of maternal health before pregnancy on children's heart health.

Interpregnancy as a Critical Period for Maternal-Child Cardiovascular Health in Pediatric Clinics: Ancillary to Young Hearts

NIH-funded research Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11032012

This study is looking at how a mother's heart health before she gets pregnant can affect her child's heart health, especially for families who might face more challenges, and it aims to find ways to help improve heart health for both moms and their kids right from the start.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032012 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how maternal cardiovascular health before conception affects the cardiovascular health of children, particularly in socially disadvantaged groups. It aims to identify key factors and timing that influence maternal and child cardiovascular health across the peri-pregnancy period, which includes preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum phases. By leveraging pediatric clinics, the study will enroll mothers and fathers who are likely to have another pregnancy, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of maternal health's impact on offspring. The goal is to develop effective interventions that can improve cardiovascular health outcomes from the very beginning of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are mothers and fathers of children aged 0-11 years who are planning to have another child.

Not a fit: Patients who are not planning to have more children or those without children may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health for children by addressing maternal health before pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing maternal health during pregnancy can improve child health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also be effective.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.