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New URMC Study Will Track Prenatal Inflammation

A new study out of URMC will look at the relationship between inflammation in pregnant women and child health. Obesity, stress, anxiety, and trauma can cause elevated levels of inflammation. And researchers say that might be of particular concern in pregnant women. 

"You take that notion - that general notion - that maternal health in pregnancy is important and you say 'Well, obviously' but it doesn't really lead to any particular way of how to improve it and what particular things need improving. Specifics matter," O'Connor says. 

Inflammation happens when your immune system activates, O'Connor explains. And to a certain extent that's a normal, healthy process. It happens if we get on a treadmill or encounter a stressful situation. But when the immune system is working extra hard -- perhaps too hard --  that can cause high levels of inflammation. O'Connor wants to see if and how those levels of inflammation predict variation in child health. Because, he says, if they can identify a link there, they can develop appropriate interventions.  

"We think about what we're doing now as a way to further articulate the particulars," O'Connor says.

The study will last a total of seven years --  following a mom from the first trimester and the child until their fourth birthday. 

Two hundred and fifty pregnant women will be recruited for this study at URMC affiliated clinics. An additional 250 participants will be recruited at a medical center in Pittsburgh.