NIH has published two MFMU Requests for Applications (RFAs): RFA-HD-23-016: NICHD MFMU Network: Clinical Centers (UG1 Clinical Trial Optional) and RFA-HD-23-017: NICHD MFMU Network: Data Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Optional).
The MFMU Network and Neonatal Research Network (NRN) Frequently Asked Questions page offers additional information about these RFAs.
Overview
NICHD established the MFMU Network in 1986 to respond to the need for well-designed clinical trials in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics, particularly with respect to preterm birth. The aims of the network are to reduce maternal, fetal, and infant morbidity related to preterm birth, fetal growth abnormalities, and maternal complications and to provide the rationale for evidence-based, cost-effective obstetric practice.
NICHD funds the MFMU Network through its Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch using the cooperative clinical research award mechanism (U10) in 5-year competitive cycles. For the 2016-2021 cycle, the MFMU Network includes 12 clinical centers at U.S. universities and hospitals, a data coordinating center at the George Washington University, and NICHD. MFMU centers may include one or more affiliated hospitals.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also provide support for certain MFMU network projects.
Network studies include randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and registries. Visit the MFMU Network website for details.
Topic Areas
Current MFMU studies include the following:
- A Randomized Trial to Prevent Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection (CMV) (NCT01376778) is designed to determine whether maternal administration of CMV hyperimmune globulin prior to 24 weeks of gestation in women diagnosed with primary CMV infection reduces the congenital CMV infection.
- An Observational Study of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Pregnancy (NCT01959321) is intended to evaluate risk factors associated with HCV infection and mother-to-child transmission of HCV.
- Opioid Prescription After Cesarean Trial (PACT) (NCT04296396) is intended to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized opioid prescription protocol that includes shared decision-making.
More Information
- MFMU Network Website
(maintained by the MFMU Network at The George Washington University Biostatistics Center)
- NICHD Contact: Nahida Chakhtoura and Monica Longo

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