Maternal Fetal Medicine Research
Overview
Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) researchers across Mass General Brigham study the biological, environmental, and clinical factors that influence pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. Through clinical, translational, and population-based research, investigators aim to better understand healthy pregnancy, maternal and fetal pregnancy complications, and to develop strategies to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Investigators in the Division of MFM conduct research about improving care delivery and clinical outcomes for mothers and babies, understanding pregnancy physiology, placental biology, genetics and fetal development, maternal immunity, environmental exposures, and the effects of maternal health conditions on fetal development and child outcomes.
Research Areas
Maternal–Fetal Medicine research across Mass General Brigham focuses on several key areas:
- improving maternal physical, emotional and mental health and providing fully-integrated care within the health system.
- pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and placenta accreta spectrum disorder
- placental biology and maternal–fetal immune interactions
- maternal cardiovascular health in pregnancy and beyond
- environmental exposures during pregnancy
- maternal health and its impact on fetal development
- biomarkers and early detection of pregnancy complications
Pregnancy Cohorts and Biobanks
Large pregnancy cohorts and specimen repositories support research on biomarkers, maternal immunity, environmental exposures, and mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications.
Research Projects
Investigators in our department work on multidisciplinary teams to advance knowledge for our patients. This work is made possible by funding from the National Institutes of Health, other governmental agencies, private foundations, and individual donors.