Understanding Postpartum PTSD and its Effects on Mothers and Babies
Defining postpartum PTSD and its implications for maternal wellness and child development
This research aims to better understand childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) and how it affects new mothers and their infants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136469 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are conducting a special long-term observation to learn more about childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD), a condition that many women experience after giving birth but often goes unnoticed. We will follow pregnant women from their third trimester, through delivery, and for a full year postpartum, checking in at several key times. We will also observe their babies at 6 and 12 months to see how the mother's experience might influence early child development. Our goal is to uncover the risk factors for CB-PTSD and understand its impact on the bond between mother and baby.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are pregnant women in their third trimester who are willing to be followed through their postpartum year, along with their infants.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or are beyond the postpartum period would not directly benefit from participating in this specific observation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier identification and better support for mothers experiencing CB-PTSD, improving outcomes for both mothers and their children.
How similar studies have performed: This is described as a first-of-its-kind longitudinal prospective study, aiming to fill a significant gap in understanding CB-PTSD.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dekel, Sharon — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dekel, Sharon
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.