NICHD’s research focus on pregnancy and complications of pregnancy and delivery is grounded in the mission of the Institute. Pregnancy research conducted and sponsored by NICHD aims to help ensure the best possible outcomes for mothers and infants. Within this aim, research activities address improving the short-term health of mothers and their fetuses, through pre-pregnancy and prenatal care, as well as the long-term health of mothers and infants, by understanding how the uterine environment influences later health. Activities also try to understand and mitigate problems that can occur during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and preeclampsia; and to define the mechanisms of normal pregnancy as well as those that lead to pregnancy complications, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
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