For Patients

The purpose of this study is to identify changes in the immune system of individuals who have anxiety during pregnancy and whether those changes are related to the risk for allergy in their infants. The importance of this research to public health is that it may help scientists to understand why some children have a higher risk of allergies and help us to identify biomarkers that can determine the allergy risk of infants. This research may also help us to design future studies of ways to intervene prior to birth to change the allergic risk of children. 

Almost 10 million children in the US are affected by at least one allergic disease, and the rates of allergies are rising. We know that genetic risk and environmental exposures can affect this risk for allergy, and we know that children born to individuals who are anxious in pregnancy have higher rates of allergy – but we don’t know why.

In this study, we want to examine the function of the immune systems of pregnant individuals with and without anxiety and determine whether any changes in immune functioning are related to markers of risk for allergy that we can identify in newborns. We will also observe your child’s eating patterns in infancy and measure additional markers of allergy when your baby is about one year old. If you are interested in participating in this study, feel free to reach out to us: adir@med.cornell.edu

Please click here to take the survey to determine your eligibility for this study.

The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical and biological phenotypes that define perinatal anxiety. This is an extension of a study funded by the NIMH; the main outcomes of that study have already been published (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36115543/), but we would like to collect additional data to allow us to examine additional biological factors. Anxiety is very common in pregnancy and the postpartum period.  There have been many studies on perinatal depression, but relatively few on perinatal anxiety, even though we have considerable evidence of the harmful effects of anxiety on the developing fetus and on the mother’s risk for future illness.  Little is known about the biological causes of anxiety in pregnancy, but the immune and endocrine systems may play a role.  In this study, we will enroll pregnant individuals with and without anxiety to examine immune, endocrine, and other biological factors.  Participants will complete psychological assessments and have their blood drawn at four visits across pregnancy and postpartum. If you are interested in participating in this study, feel free to reach out to us: pippilab@med.cornell.edu

Please click here to take the survey to determine your eligibility for this study

The purpose of this study is to learn how the way a baby is delivered (vaginal or cesarean delivery) affects the start of breastfeeding, breast milk composition, and breastfeeding outcomes during the first six months after delivery. This research may help us better understand factors that influence lactation and identify ways to support individuals who choose to breastfeed after childbirth.

Breastfeeding involves many changes in the body that begin during pregnancy and continue after delivery. Factors such as delivery method, hormones, and other health-related factors may influence when milk production begins and how breastfeeding progresses. By studying these factors, researchers hope to improve support and care for postpartum individuals and their infants.

If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete online surveys and provide small breast milk samples during your hospital stay and after you return home. The study team will also review information from your medical record related to your pregnancy, delivery, and baby’s health. Some participants may choose to provide additional samples, such as blood or infant stool samples, to help researchers better understand lactation. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact our research team at wcmobgynresearch@med.cornell.edu.

Effectiveness Testing of a Videogame Intervention (No Baby No) to decrease contraception non-use among adolescents: A randomized trial

The purpose of this study, led by Dr. Aileen Gariepy, is to evaluate the effectiveness of the No Baby No videogame intervention at decreasing contraception non-use during sexual encounters (penile-vaginal intercourse) compared to an attention/time control condition among 15-20-year-old, English and Spanish-speaking adolescents. Among sexually active high school students in New York City, contraception non-use at last sexual encounter is as high as 26.5%. Over the course of a year, contraceptive non-use is associated with an 85% chance of pregnancy.14 N ovel, tailored interventions to decrease contraception non-use among adolescents are needed. While systemic solutions also are needed, individual adolescents also deserve effective, empowering interventions. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete one in-person game play session at Weill Cornell, and two online surveys at 3-months and 9-months. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact our research team at NoBabyNo@med.cornell.edu.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and immune response of an investigational Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaccine in healthy pregnant individuals and their infants. This research may help determine whether vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection against GBS infection for both the pregnant individual and their baby. The information gained from this study could contribute to the development of new strategies to prevent serious GBS infections in mothers and newborns.

Group B Streptococcus is a common bacteria that is naturally carried by approximately 1 in 5 pregnant individuals. While many people experience no symptoms, GBS can cause serious infections during pregnancy and in newborns, including bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and meningitis. Although antibiotics given during labor can reduce the risk of early GBS disease, they do not protect infants from infections that occur later in the first few months of life. Researchers are studying whether vaccination during pregnancy can provide longer-lasting protection for newborns through antibodies passed from parent to baby before birth.

If you choose to participate, you may receive either the investigational GBS vaccine or a placebo during pregnancy. The study 3-4 in person visits during pregnancy and after delivery, blood sample collection from the maternal participant, and follow-up visits and phone calls to monitor health and immune responses. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact our research team at wcmobgynresearch@med.cornel.edu.

This study seeks to understand why some women experience depression during perimenopause (a period leading up to menopause characterized by major hormonal shifts). Although perimenopause is known to be a high-risk time for developing depression, especially in women with a history of mood disorders, we still don’t know what biological changes actually trigger these symptoms. This research focuses on how the immune system and hormonal changes may interact to influence mood, with the goal of identifying new biological markers that can help predict who is most at risk. Participants will undergo a mental health assessment, complete questionnaires on mood, anxiety, trauma, and menopause-related symptoms, and have their blood drawn. If you are interested in participating in this study, feel free to reach out to us: pippilab@med.cornell.edu

The purpose of this study is to examine whether a smart bassinet can improve maternal sleep and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue during the postpartum period. Sleep deprivation is one of the most common challenges after childbirth and is a major risk factor for postpartum mood disorders. Military-affiliated women, including active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses, may be at particularly high risk due to additional stressors associated with military life; yet they are often underrepresented in maternal mental health research. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to use either a smart bassinet or a traditional bassinet for up to six months postpartum. The smart bassinet mimics womb-like sensations through gentle rocking and sound, which may promote longer, more restful sleep for infants. This study will also collect blood samples and analyze these samples to determine whether improved sleep influences immune and epigenetic markers that may be linked to postpartum depression. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact our research team at pippilab@med.cornell.edu.

The purpose of this study is to learn more about maternal well-being after vaginal or cesarean delivery and better understand factors that may increase the risk of postpartum mental health concerns. This research is important because many individuals experience emotional challenges after childbirth, but we do not yet fully understand why some people are more likely to develop conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By identifying risk factors, this study may help improve early screening and support for individuals who may benefit from additional resources after delivery.

Pregnancy and childbirth can be a major physical and emotional experience. Some individuals may experience unexpected complications during labor and delivery that can affect their physical health and emotional well-being. These experiences may increase the risk of mental health concerns after birth, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Research has also shown that these challenges may not affect all individuals equally, with differences seen across racial and socioeconomic groups. Understanding these differences can help healthcare providers better identify and support those at higher risk for postpartum mental health concerns.

If you choose to participate, you will be contacted up to two times during the 6 months after delivery. You will complete online questionnaires about your health and emotional well-being through a secure platform. Some participants may also be invited to complete a virtual interview with a member of the study team. If you report concerns related to your mental health or would like additional support, referrals to appropriate mental health services will be available. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact our research team at wcmobgynresearch@med.cornell.edu.

The purpose of this study is to better understand the biological causes of postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects up to 1 in 5 women after childbirth and may be more common in those with a history of mood disorders. This study is specifically evaluating the role of the neuroactive steroid (NAS) pathway and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor in susceptibility to postpartum depression (PPD). The importance of this research to public health is that it may help scientists shift treatment from a reactive to a preventative approach, improve understanding of related conditions like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and support the development of targeted treatments and early identification strategies. Participants will complete a mental health assessment, psychological surveys, and have their blood drawn over about 10 months during pregnancy and postpartum. 

Please click here to take the survey to determine your eligibility for this study

Prevalence and Implications of Cholestatic Gene Mutations in Suspected Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Among a Diverse U.S. Cohort: A Prospective Study in a Diverse Health Setting with 8000+ Annual Pregnancy Deliveries

The purpose of this study is to better understand how common certain genetic changes are in people with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and whether these changes increase the risk of liver disease during pregnancy or later in life. Early research suggests that up to 20% of people with ICP carry a genetic variant associated with cholestatic liver disease, and people with a history of ICP may also have a higher risk of liver and certain immune-related conditions after pregnancy. By identifying these genetic changes and their long-term health effects, we hope to improve risk prediction and support more personalized care, including closer monitoring, earlier diagnosis, and timely treatment. 

If you participate, you will complete an itch severity survey at enrollment and again 6 months after delivery. You will also provide a cheek swab for free genetic testing of 143 known related mutations, with results available in about 3 weeks at no cost. Optional virtual genetic counseling is available through Genome Medical. If a positive result is identified, follow-up with a liver specialist may be recommended, and treatment may be available if you develop a cholestatic condition after pregnancy. The study team will also review relevant pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum medical records.

If you are currently pregnant and have been diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and are interested in participating in this study, please contact our research team at wcmobgynresearch@med.cornell.edu.

We are studying a new rapid-acting treatment for depression and anxiety.  The purpose of this study is to learn how whole-body hyperthermia (treatment in a sauna) may work to decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Our study involves filling out survey questionnaires and spending time in a sauna; we may also measure your brain activity through EEG and MRI. We are enrolling healthy adults as well as individuals with major depression and postpartum depression. We know that this treatment works well in adults with depression, but we do not know how it works.  We also want to find out if postpartum individuals will find this treatment acceptable, and whether the way it works may be different in postpartum individuals from other people.  This research study is being done because we do not have very many treatments for depression or anxiety that work quickly.  If we could learn more about how this treatment works, we might be able to develop other treatments to help people with depression or anxiety get better quickly. If you are interested in participating in this study, feel free to reach out to us: pippilab@med.cornell.edu

Please click here to take the survey to determine your eligibility for this study.