Understanding Difficult Labor in Pregnancy

Biologic Mechanisms of Labor Dysfunction: A Systems Biology Approach

['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11089309

This project aims to understand why some pregnant individuals experience difficult labor, especially those with higher body mass index.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11089309 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Maternal mortality is a growing concern, and difficult labor is a major reason for complications, particularly for individuals with higher BMI. This often leads to unplanned C-sections because labor doesn't start or progress as expected. Researchers believe that too much fat in certain tissues might weaken uterine contractions. This project will recruit pregnant individuals to study how changes in their body's fats throughout pregnancy might predict difficult labor.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals in early pregnancy who plan to give birth in a community-based care setting.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or are not experiencing labor complications would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to predict and prevent difficult labor, improving safety for both mothers and babies.

How similar studies have performed: While current research suggests a link between metabolism and labor, this project aims to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding the specific mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.