Skip to main content

Pregnancy & Newborn Medicine

DID YOU KNOW THOSE FIRST NINE MONTHS CAN ACTUALLY AFFECT OUR ENTIRE LIVES?

We study maternal health and fetal and placental development to ensure healthy mothers and babies, of course. But examining the first nine months can also help us predict diseases and conditions that may occur over a lifetime. And even change their course.

SPOTLIGHT ON: PRETERM BIRTH

Challenges

Premature birth is the #1 killer of babies, and in 40% of the cases, the cause is unknown.

Preterm births put babies at risk for serious, life-long health problems, including:

  • Chronic lung disease
  • Deafness
  • Blindness
  • Learning disabilities
  • Adult diabetes and heart disease

One in ten premature births is related to placental abruption.

Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus during pregnancy and can mean severe consequences for the baby, including:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Learning disabilities
  • Premature labor
  • Higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes

Women who have complications during pregnancy are at greater risk of heart disease.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, killing more women than all cancers combined. Women who have complications during pregnancy are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease a decade and more after giving birth.

WHAT MAGEE-WOMENS SCIENTISTS ARE DOING

  • We are working to advance scientific knowledge about premature births, translating our discoveries into improved health care for mothers and their babies.
  • We are investigating the roots of preterm birth, especially within families with a history of premature delivery.
  • We are identifying causes of placental dysfunction that may contribute to preterm birth, other adverse pregnancy outcomes, and life-long health risks.
  • We are studying what the placenta can teach us about the mother’s long-term cardiovascular health.
  • We are collaborating with UPMC Magee-Womens Neonatal ICU physicians to develop better treatment and programs for preterm babies and their families.

Clinical Research & Trials

For over two decades, we have dedicated our clinical research studies and clinical trials to improving the health care of women, men, and infants everywhere. Our research would not be possible without the generous participation of many study volunteers.

Learn More

Our Scientists

View Directory
Photo of Steve N. Caritis, MD
Steve N. Caritis, MD View Bio
Photo of Janet M. Catov, PhD, MS
Janet M. Catov, PhD, MS View Bio
Photo of Tianjiao Chu, PhD
Tianjiao Chu, PhD View Bio
Photo of Mo Ebrahimkhani, MD
Mo Ebrahimkhani, MD View Bio
Photo of Stephen Emery, MD
Stephen Emery, MD View Bio
Photo of Francesca L. Facco, MD, MSCi
Francesca L. Facco, MD, MSCi View Bio
Photo of Maisa N. Feghali, MD, MS
Maisa N. Feghali, MD, MS View Bio
Photo of Robin Gandley, PhD
Robin Gandley, PhD View Bio
Photo of Carl A. Hubel, PhD
Carl A. Hubel, PhD View Bio
Photo of Arun Jeyabalan, MD
Arun Jeyabalan, MD View Bio
Photo of Agnes Koczo, MD
Agnes Koczo, MD View Bio
Photo of Elizabeth E. Krans, MD, MSc
Elizabeth E. Krans, MD, MSc View Bio
Photo of Jacob Larkin, MD
Jacob Larkin, MD View Bio
Photo of Mellissa RW Mann, PhD
Mellissa RW Mann, PhD View Bio
Photo of Jean-Francois Mouillet, PhD
Jean-Francois Mouillet, PhD View Bio
Photo of Yingshi Ouyang, PhD
Yingshi Ouyang, PhD View Bio
Photo of David G. Peters, PhD
David G. Peters, PhD View Bio
Photo of Robert Powers, PhD
Robert Powers, PhD View Bio
Photo of James Roberts, MD
James Roberts, MD View Bio
Photo of Ashley Russell, PhD
Ashley Russell, PhD View Bio
Photo of Yoel Sadovsky, MD
Yoel Sadovsky, MD View Bio
Photo of Hyagriv Simhan, MD, MS
Hyagriv Simhan, MD, MS View Bio
Photo of Isabelle Wilkins, MD
Isabelle Wilkins, MD View Bio
Photo of Svetlana Yatsenko, MD
Svetlana Yatsenko, MD View Bio

Research News

View All News