Understanding how stress during pregnancy affects iron deficiency anemia in mothers and infants
Official title: Machine learning methods to assess risk for prenatal and neonatal iron deficiency anemia from maternal stress exposure
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11136629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress during pregnancy might affect iron levels in moms and their babies, especially for those from low-income and diverse backgrounds, to find better ways to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,957 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD109373-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those experiencing psychosocial stress, especially from low-income or racially-ethnically diverse backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not experience significant psychosocial stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy on the risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in both mothers and their infants. It aims to identify the biological and behavioral pathways that link stress to IDA, particularly focusing on low-income and racially-ethnically diverse populations who may be at higher risk. By utilizing machine learning methods, the study will analyze various factors that contribute to this condition, potentially leading to better prevention and treatment strategies. The findings could help in understanding how stress influences iron levels and overall health during and after pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women and their infants, enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between maternal stress and infant iron status, but this study aims to explore the underlying biological mechanisms, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reid, Brie M — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Reid, Brie M
Related research
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This project uses computer models to predict which pregnant people and their newborns might develop iron-deficiency anemia after stress during pregnancy.
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.