Research

Pregnancy

The Pregnancy Research Program at the Center for Women’s Health and Reproductive Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. Our research covers a wide range of topics, including prenatal care, maternal health, fetal development, and pregnancy outcomes. We aim to understand the biological, environmental, and social factors that influence pregnancy, with the goal of improving health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

One of our primary focuses is on understanding the mechanisms of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. By studying these conditions, we seek to develop better diagnostic tools and treatment options to ensure healthier pregnancies. Our researchers utilize state-of-the-art technologies and collaborate with experts in various fields to explore the complex interactions between maternal and fetal health.

In addition to investigating the physiological aspects of pregnancy, we also examine the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors. Our studies look into how nutrition, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins can affect pregnancy outcomes. By identifying risk factors and developing preventive strategies, we aim to support women in achieving the best possible health during pregnancy.

Furthermore, our research extends to the long-term health of both mothers and their children. We explore how conditions and interventions during pregnancy can influence health later in life, emphasizing the importance of early interventions. Our comprehensive approach to pregnancy research seeks to create a foundation of knowledge that will lead to improved care and support for expectant mothers, ensuring healthier futures for generations to come.

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Penn Medicine receives funding to launch NAVIGATE

Penn Medicine has received funding from the HHS and Office on Women’s Health to launch NAVIGATE, a new Center of Excellence for PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, formerly PCOS) — the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women worldwide. Led by Dr. Anuja Dokras, an internationally recognized clinical and researcher in PMOS, the two-year project […]

Drs. Marisa Bartolomei & Cori Schreiber elected to National Academy of Medicine

Congratulations to Drs. Marisa Bartolomei & Cori Schreiber on their elections to the National Academy of Medicine. Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. To see the full list of those […]

Dr. Kate O’Neill and the Uterus Transplant Program featured on Good Day Philadelphia

Dr. Kate O’Neill and Stephanie Collado were interviewed by Alex Holley and Karen Hepp on Good Day Philadelphia. Stephanie received a uterus transplant at Penn from a living donor and gave birth to a baby boy last year. Follow this link to watch the full interview.

Nicolas Plachta & Eric Rhon-Calderon interviewed by SSR

Dr. Nicolas Plachta & Dr. Eric Rhon-Calderon were interviewed for the latest SSR newsletter. Follow the links to read their interviews.  

Eric Rhon-Calderon of the Bartolomei lab has a new paper published in JCI

Eric Rhon-Calderon of the Bartolomei lab recently had a paper published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The paper titled “Mouse offspring conceived by in vitro fertilization exhibit accelerated reproductive aging through premature ovarian insufficiency” was also accompanied by the editorial publication “Reproductive life after in vitro fertilization.” Both publications are linked below. https://www.jci.org/articles/view/201633 https://www.jci.org/articles/view/210577 […]

Congratulations, Natalie Brown on F30 project funding!

Natalie Brown, 5th year MD/Ph.D. student (who is going into the 3rd year of her Ph.D. in CAMB CPM) in Zolt Arany’s lab was recently awarded funding from NHLBI. Her project is centered on understanding how placental signals (hormones, proteases and extracellular vesicle cargo) reprogram the maternal heart during pregnancy. The goal is to better […]

Kristin Gerson – BWF 2026 Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative Recipient

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) is pleased to announce the seven recipients of the 2026 Next Gen Pregnancy Initiative (NGP), a program supporting innovative research that advances understanding of pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications. The initiative invests in bold, interdisciplinary science aimed at improving outcomes for pregnant individuals and infants while deepening our understanding of the […]

5/22 is World Preeclampsia Day

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth (called postpartum preeclampsia). In addition to causing high blood pressure, it can cause organs like the kidneys and liver to not work normally. Preeclampsia affects about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States. It is a […]

Women with this condition are often misdiagnosed. Its new name could help.

A new name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) reflects growing recognition that the condition affects far more than reproductive health. Anuja Dokras, MD PhD, director of the Penn Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Center and the Founders Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology led the effort behind the change. Many patients experience […]