Using ketamine to help mothers with depression and pain after cesarean delivery
Official title: Ketamine to reduce postpartum depression and pain after cesarean delivery
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11086759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ketamine can help new moms feel better by reducing postpartum depression and pain after a cesarean delivery, and it aims to find the best dose to improve their mood and manage pain safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $538,385 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134538-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are mothers who have recently undergone a cesarean delivery and are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a cesarean delivery or those who do not experience postpartum depression or pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of ketamine to alleviate postpartum depression and pain in mothers who have undergone cesarean delivery. The study aims to determine the optimal dosage of ketamine and its effects on pain management and mood improvement in this specific population. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by new mothers, the research seeks to provide a more effective treatment option that considers both pain relief and mental health. Participants will be monitored for side effects and overall recovery to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that significantly reduces postpartum depression and pain for mothers after cesarean delivery.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been limited studies on ketamine for postpartum conditions, this research aims to fill a significant knowledge gap and explore its effects specifically in postpartum women after cesarean delivery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Grace — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lim, Grace
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ketamine to reduce postpartum depression and pain after cesarean delivery
This grant explores a ketamine approach to help new mothers after cesarean delivery feel better sooner and with less pain.
-
Group-based postpartum depression prevention: in-person vs. virtual delivery
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Trajectories of Positive Motivation and Postpartum Depression Risk
This project studies how brain reward function and daily mood patterns before and after birth relate to the risk of postpartum depression, with a focus on mothers and babies.
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ROSE Scale-Up: Expanding universal postpartum depression prevention for new mothers
A national effort to roll out the ROSE prevention program to all new mothers, to see if universal use can reduce postpartum depression.
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How Medicaid Postpartum Coverage and PPD Screening Could Improve Diabetes and Blood Pressure Care After Birth
A large NIH grant is studying how extending Medicaid after birth and mandating postpartum depression screening affect care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
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.