Understanding Pelvic Floor Muscles During Pregnancy and Childbirth
Mechanisms and Impact of Pregnancy-Induced Adaptations in Pelvic Floor Muscles
This research explores how pregnancy and childbirth change women's pelvic floor muscles at a cellular level, aiming to help prevent common pelvic floor problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127753 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking closely at the special muscle stem cells in the pelvic floor to understand how they adapt during pregnancy. Our goal is to see how these cells respond to the changes of pregnancy and the process of vaginal delivery. By understanding these cellular changes, we hope to find new ways to protect and restore pelvic floor health. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing future strategies to prevent or treat pelvic floor disorders that can affect many women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for women who are pregnant or have experienced childbirth, especially those interested in the health of their pelvic floor muscles.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing pregnancy or childbirth, or those with pelvic floor issues unrelated to these events, may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or better treat pelvic floor disorders that often arise after pregnancy and childbirth.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on existing knowledge from limb muscle research but takes a novel approach by focusing specifically on pelvic floor muscle stem cells during pregnancy and childbirth.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alperin, Marianna — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Alperin, Marianna
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 below.