NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research related to labor and delivery. Select a link to learn more about these projects.
- A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management (ARRIVE)
Some research has suggested that inducing labor at 39 weeks might be better for babies than allowing labor to start naturally after 39 weeks. This study is randomly assigning women who have not previously given birth and have uncomplicated singleton pregnancies to have elective induction of labor at 39 weeks or to continue the pregnancy until labor begins on its own. This trial is being conducted through the NICHD-funded Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. - Indomethacin PK and PD Therapy in Pregnancy
Indomethacin is a medication that reduces contractions. It is given to pregnant women who are at risk of delivering preterm. This study aims to understand in more detail how the body processes indomethacin and how the medication produces its effects. - Aspirin Supplementation for Pregnancy Indicated Risk Reduction in Nulliparas (ASPIRIN)
This study will assess the use of aspirin to prevent preterm birth in a racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse population. - Sustained Aeration of Infant Lungs Trial (SAIL)
For infants born at 23 to 26 weeks of gestational age who require support to breathe, health care providers often use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to pump air to the lungs. This study aims to compare the standard CPAP treatment and CPAP combined with a newer technique known as sustained inflation to help clear the lungs of liquid and improve breathing. - A Randomized Trial to Prevent Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
CMV is a common virus that usually has few if any side effects. Most people in the United States are infected with CMV during childhood or as adults if they work around children. Women who become infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy may pass the virus to the fetus. Infants who are infected may develop permanent disabilities, including hearing loss, and a small portion will die from the infection. Currently, pregnant women are not routinely screened for CMV infection. In addition, experts have not reached consensus about how to evaluate and manage pregnant women infected with CMV for the first time. There is also no evidence that treatment is beneficial for the baby. This study will determine whether treating pregnant women who have a primary CMV infection with CMV antibodies will reduce the number of babies infected with CMV.
Information on current NIH-sponsored clinical trials on labor and delivery is available by using the following link or by calling 800-411-1222.
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