Current Studies

The Micronutrients and Pregnancy Lab is currently conducting the following studies in the area of malnutrition during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum (lactation and infancy) with a focus on micronutrient deficiencies and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

PlacentaVision

An NIH NIBIB-funded study to develop a new artificial intelligence-based tool to assess placentas via digital photograph at birth. This project is collecting data on ~50,000 births at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, and Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Mbarara, Uganda.

A nurse smiles at a newborn baby in a hospital crib

Risk Assessment for Infant Sepsis (RAISE)

This work will use digital photographs of placentas plus clinical data to predict early neonatal sepsis risk right after birth. The work is funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

A pregnant woman stands at a counter cutting up meat

Balanced Energy Protein (BEP)

We are conducting a meta-analysis of trials of balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. The analysis is examining the impact of maternal BEP on maternal and fetal/infant outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum. There are 7 trials in 5 countries: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. This work is funded by the Gates Foundation.