Progress on Theme 3

Setting the Foundation for Healthy Pregnancies and Lifelong Wellness

NEW: Maternal morbidity and mortality data analysis project
This project’s goal is to promote innovation in computational analysis and unique learning approaches or models. The effort will utilize publicly available NICHD-funded datasets to identify new paradigms to decrease the rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. Learn more about this effort.
Priority: Studies on causes and mechanisms of preterm birth, especially in populations affected by health disparities, to support prevention
NICHD-funded scientists are studying the potential of surfactant protein A to reduce preterm birth. Other research teams are working to better understand normal and abnormal uterine contraction in term labor and prevent preterm birth. Learn more: R01HD096209; R01HD096385; R01HD097279; R01HD100012; and others.
Intramural research: Preterm birth
The Perinatal Research Branch, within the NICHD Division of Intramural Research, studies intra-amniotic infection and inflammation, vascular disorders, maternal anti-fetal rejection (chronic inflammatory lesions of the placenta), cervical disease, and a decline in progesterone action. Learn more about the branch’s research.

Reducing disparities in Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) (PMID: 31978432)
Researchers analyzed results of an initiative undertaken at 99 California hospitals to reduce the risk of SMM from obstetric hemorrhage, a common major complication of childbirth. The initiative benefitted Black women more than white women, reducing disparities.
Placental DNA in maternal blood could predict later pregnancy complications (PMID: 33045922)
Traces of genetic material from the placenta and other organs circulating in a pregnant woman’s blood stream could potentially be used to predict the risk for complications in later pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Women with asthma may be at higher risk for weight gain during pregnancy (PMID: 33169142)
Scientists found that women with asthma were more likely than women without asthma to gain weight during pregnancy and to retain weight 3 months after giving birth. On average, women with asthma gained 3.1 kilograms (just less than 7 pounds) more after a full-term pregnancy than did women without asthma.