Improving health outcomes for pregnant people and children

Through our Pregnancy and Child Health Research Center, we support and partner on research that addresses the well-being and health of pregnant people, children and families – including adolescents and young adults. Our pregnancy and child health researchers are experts in epidemiology, clinical medicine, public health, clinical psychology and risk prediction modeling. Our work focuses on equitable health for parents and children across the life course. Our research aims to improve reproductive, perinatal and child health and to reduce health disparities in these areas.

Key areas

Vaccine safety and medication exposures in pregnancy and lactation

We study the safety of medications and vaccines during and after pregnancy to assess potential risks. A recent focus has been studying the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in general, and when given during pregnancy.

Child and adolescent health

We study factors such as infant feeding, child growth and development, nutrition, activity and access to health care to help improve outcomes for children and adolescents. We have implemented tools to help with the early detection of acute and chronic disease in children and adolescents.

Pregnancy and postpartum health

Our researchers are experts in clinical psychology, clinical medicine, epidemiology and risk prediction modeling. We rely on strong relationships with pediatrics and OB/GYN health care leaders interested in research. Mental health research has included studying prenatal antidepressant use and an online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy program to reduce postpartum depression. Risk prediction modeling includes studies of chronic disease outcome risk in people with pregnancy complications, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Reducing disparities

Our work aims to identify and reduce disparities in pregnancy-related morbidity, infant morbidity and vaccine coverage. We assess many factors that contribute to disparities including quality of health care, underlying conditions, racism, and other social determinants of health.

Key publications

Visit Knowledge Exchange for a current list of publications from our Pregnancy and Child Health Research Center.

Key contacts

Kristin Palmsten, ScD – Sr. Research Investigator
Malini DeSilva, MD, MPH – Sr. Research Investigator
Elisabeth Seburg, MPH – Research Project Manager Supervisor

Pregnancy and Child Health Research Center