Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetric Research

Stanford’s Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics has an outstanding record of scientific investigation. From early pregnancy and placentation studies to prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy research, to clinical trials and cohort studies covering a broad spectrum of maternal-fetal and obstetrical complications. We are actively engaged in several national collaborative trials, including studies sponsored by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Our division is also a part of the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet).

Our division’s excellence in scientific investigation exemplifies Stanford’s commitment to advancing maternal and child health

For more information about any current or past research projects or inquiries about potential collaboration or participation, please contact the MFM research operations team.

Phone: (650) 725-5720

 

  1. Chronic Hypertension and Pregnancy (CHAP) Project:  A Pragmatic Multicenter Randomized Trial Antihypertensive Therapy for Mild Chronic Hypertension during Pregnancy

    Principal Investigator: Yasser El-Sayed, MD 

    The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a blood pressure treatment to achieve targets recommended for non-pregnant adults (<140/90 mmHg) is also effective and safe during pregnancy. More information: chap.obgyn.uab.edu

  2. Childhood Pulmonary Complications in a Birth Cohort After a Randomized Trial of Antenatal Corticosteroids: The ALPS Follow-Up Study

    Principal Investigator: Yasser El-Sayed, MD

    The purpose of the study is to investigate the long-term respiratory outcomes among the birth cohort from ALPS study (randomized controlled trial of antenatal corticosteroids).

    More information: https://mfmunetwork.bsc.gwu.edu/PublicBSC/MFMU/MFMUPublic/

  3. Childhood Cognitive Function in a Birth Cohort after a Randomized Trial of Antenatal Corticosteroids: the ALPS Neurocognitive Follow-Up Study

    Principal Investigator: Yasser El-Sayed, MD

    The purpose of the study is to investigate the long-term cognitive outcomes among the birth cohort from ALPS study (randomized controlled trial of antenatal corticosteroids).

    More information: https://mfmunetwork.bsc.gwu.edu/PublicBSC/MFMU/MFMUPublic/

  4. Effect of Preeclampsia on Cardiovascular Health (EPOCH)

    Principal Investigators: Virginia D. Winn, MD PhD;  Mark Hlatky, MD

    The purpose of the study is to investigate the pathways across the life-course that link preeclampsia during pregnancy to cardiovascular health later in life.

  5. Cell Free DNA for Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis in Pregnancy Complicated by Birth Defects

    Principal Investigator: Katherine Bianco, MD

    In order to improve the field of non-invasive prenatal screening and diagnosis, we aim to develop novel molecular approaches and improve the existing ones.

  6. Renal Agenesis Fetal Therapy (RAFT) Trial (NAFTNet)

    Principal Investigator: Yair Blumenfeld, MD

    The goal of this research is to determine the feasibility, safety and success rate of serial amnioinfusions for early pregnancy renal anhydramnios caused by congenital bilateral renal agenesis and by fetal renal failure with kidney tissue present.

  7. Minimally Invasive Fetal Neural Tube Defect Repair Study

    Principal investigator: Yair Blumenfeld, MD

    The purpose of the study is to assess the feasibility, safety and clinical effectiveness of minimally invasive (fetoscopic) in-utero spina bifida repair, compared to the standard open (via hysterotomy) fetal repair or neonatal repair options.

  8. Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Placenta Accreta: A Prospective, Observational Study

    Principal Investigator: Deirdre Lyell, MD

    The information and samples from this study are being used to help researchers learn more about why placenta accreta develops in some women but not in others, and how best to care for women and their babies in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta.

  9. North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) Prenatal Diagnosis of Isolated Aqueductal Stenosis

    Principal Investigator: Yair Blumenfeld, MD

    The primary intent of this multi-center, prospective, descriptive, observational study is to determine the performance characteristics of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to accurately diagnose fetal aqueductal stenosis.

  10. Maternal Telomere Length in Pregnancy

    Principal Investigators: Danielle Panelli, MD; Katherine Bianco, MD

    The purpose of the study is to evaluate the relationship between maternal telomere length and the physiologic effects of pregnancy.

  11. High Sensitivity Flow Imaging of the Human Placenta with Coherence-Based Doppler

    Principal Investigators: Jeremey Dahl, PhD;  Virginia D Winn, MD, PhD

    The purpose of this study is to compare the sensitivity of a new ultrasound imaging modality, called coherent flow power Doppler imaging, to a conventional ultrasound imaging technique, called power Doppler imaging. The study will compare sensitivity by measuring the ability of each imaging technique to detect and observe changes in the spiral arteries of the placenta.

  12. Systems Biology of Early Atopy (SUNBEAM)

    Principal Investigators: Sharon Chinthrajah, MD;  Virginia D Winn, MD, PhD

    The goal of this research study is to investigate the clinical, environmental, biological, and genetic factors that lead to the development of allergic diseases in children under three years. To learn about the many different factors that may possibly contribute to the development of food allergy and atopic dermatitis in your baby, we will collect information from mom during pregnancy, from the baby’s biological father, and from the baby themselves.

    More information: https://sunbeamstudy.sites.stanford.edu/

  13. Effects of Fermented & Fiber-rich Foods on Maternal & Offspring Microbiome Study (MOMS)
    Principal Investigators: Christopher D Gardner, PhDScarlett Karakash, MD; Justin L Sonnenburg, PhD

    The maternal gut microbiota changes throughout the progression of pregnancy, which has been documented in industrial-lifestyle populations, yet we lack an understanding of how a mother’s microbiota, including the shifts that occur during pregnancy, impacts maternal and infant health. Given the interdependence of diet and the microbiota, a next step is to use microbiota-targeted dietary interventions in pregnant women to evaluate their effects on the microbiota during pregnancy, the infant’s developing microbiota, and aspects of their health. The purpose of this study is to assess how diet impacts maternal microbiome during pregnancy and their infant’s microbiome up to about 2 years postpartum.

    More information: https://med.stanford.edu/nutrition/research/current-studies/fefifo-moms.html