NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

The impact of migraine and depression on new mothers' quality of life.

Official title: Migraine, Depressive Symptoms, and Maternal Quality of Life in the Postpartum Period: The Role of Comorbidity, Disengagement, and Social and Economic Disadvantage

Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10488056 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how migraines and feelings of depression can impact the lives of new moms, especially those who might be facing extra challenges, and it aims to find ways to help them feel better and enjoy their time with their babies.

More Postpartum research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2021
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$41,432
NIH project number5F31NR019712-02
Project IDNIH-10488056 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum women who experience migraines and depressive symptoms, particularly those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not experience migraines or depressive symptoms during the postpartum period may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how migraine and depressive symptoms affect the quality of life for women during the postpartum period. It focuses on the relationship between these conditions, particularly how a woman's approach to managing her migraines can influence her mental health. The study also examines the additional challenges faced by socially and economically disadvantaged women, who may experience heightened risks for both migraine and depression. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to identify effective strategies for improving the well-being of new mothers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies for postpartum women suffering from migraine and depression, ultimately improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a strong link between migraine and depression, particularly in postpartum women, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Matthews, Anna Rothfuss — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
  • Study coordinator: Matthews, Anna Rothfuss

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Wearable Maternal Stress Tracker for new mothers

    A small wearable device is tested to track daily stress and sleep in the postpartum period to see if it can help identify and manage stress quickly.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11233576

  • Urgent Maternal Warning Signs: A Home Tool to Spot Severe Problems After Childbirth

    A hospital-based project will test a patient-friendly smartphone tool to help new mothers notice warning signs of severe complications after giving birth.

    NIH research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · East Lansing, United States · NIH-11132153

  • Personalized treatment for women with opioid use disorder after childbirth

    This study is looking to create better treatment plans for women with opioid use disorder after they give birth, by personalizing care to fit their unique needs and helping them stay healthy and supported during this important time.

    NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11037931

  • Identifying urine metabolites that predict weight gain during pregnancy in South African women with HIV

    This study is looking at how certain substances in urine can help predict if women with HIV might gain too much weight during and after pregnancy, so we can find ways to support their health and prevent future issues like diabetes and heart problems.

    NIH research University of Cape Town · Rondebosch, South Africa · NIH-11000408

  • A program using social media to help mothers with postpartum depression improve parenting skills

    This study is looking at a social media program that helps new moms dealing with postpartum depression improve their parenting skills and support their baby's growth, while also offering online treatment for their depression to see if it makes a positive difference for both moms and their little ones.

    NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-10877888

  • Helping low-income women navigate postpartum care

    This study is looking to help low-income women during the important time after giving birth by providing support and guidance to make it easier for them to access healthcare services they need, like birth control and mental health check-ups.

    NIH research Northwestern University at Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-10668971

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.