Understanding postpartum PTSD and its effects on mothers and children
Defining postpartum PTSD and its implications for maternal wellness and child development
This study is looking at how postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder affects new moms and their babies, by following pregnant women in their last trimester and checking in with them during their baby's first year to see how they're doing and bonding together, so we can find ways to help families who might be struggling.
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-10885980 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) on maternal health and child development. It involves studying pregnant women in their third trimester and following them through the first year postpartum, assessing their mental health and the bonding process with their infants. By collecting data at multiple time points, the research aims to identify risk factors for CB-PTSD and understand its effects on both mothers and their children. This study is crucial for developing early interventions for affected families.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women in their third trimester who may be at risk for postpartum PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have already given birth more than a year prior may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support for new mothers and better developmental outcomes for their children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing maternal mental health can significantly improve outcomes for both mothers and children, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
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.