Using advanced imaging to predict preterm birth in first-time mothers
Official title: Fully Quantitative Cervical Elastography for Prediction of Preterm Birth in Nulliparous Patients
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10906749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new ultrasound method to measure how stiff the cervix is in women who are pregnant for the first time, to help predict the risk of preterm birth and improve care for moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $689,431 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109251-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are nulliparous women, meaning those who have never given birth, who are currently pregnant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have previously given birth or those who are not currently pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new imaging technique called cervical elastography to better predict the risk of preterm birth in women who have never given birth before. The study aims to improve the accuracy of identifying patients at risk by quantifying cervical stiffness, which is currently not done effectively. By using a novel ultrasound-based method, the researchers hope to provide a standardized approach that can be used across different patients and over time. This could lead to more targeted interventions and better outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability to predict preterm births, leading to better prenatal care and outcomes for mothers and infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques for predicting preterm birth, but this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stout, Molly — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Stout, Molly
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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.