Understanding how early life experiences affect maternal mental health after childbirth
Official title: Biobehavioral markers of prenatal resilience associated with positive postpartum maternal mental health and well-being
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11136741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how good experiences in childhood and strong coping skills during pregnancy can help new moms feel better mentally after giving birth, especially for those who have dealt with a lot of stress in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $175,647 |
| NIH project number | 1K01MH137317-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have experienced chronic stress during their childhood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced chronic stress or who are not currently pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how positive childhood experiences and prenatal resilience can influence mental health outcomes for mothers after giving birth. It focuses on individuals who have faced chronic stress and aims to identify biological and psychological markers that contribute to better postpartum well-being. By utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, the study will analyze data to uncover patterns that predict positive mental health outcomes in new mothers. Participants will be recruited from a diverse population of pregnant individuals, particularly those who have experienced significant stress during their childhood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support for new mothers, particularly those with challenging backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life experiences can significantly impact mental health, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magee, Kelsey — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Magee, Kelsey
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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.