Pregnancy is a pivotal moment in the life of a parent and child. Our internationally renowned research seeks to understand the factors that lead to healthy, happy pregnancies, and to create safe diagnostic, intervention, and treatment solutions.
Research in CHRI’s Division of Maternal, Fetal, and Newborn Health focuses on:
- Studying the mechanisms of normal and abnormal fetal and newborn growth and development;
- Understanding how maternal health and wellbeing influence fetal and newborn health and development;
- Investigating the long-term effects of abnormal fetal development on childhood health and diseases; and
- Developing non-invasive and safe methods for early detection of abnormal fetal development and formulating intervention strategies to prevent and treat abnormal fetal development.
There is increasing evidence that children’s health and wellbeing are largely determined by events during fetal life. By pursuing the four directions mentioned above, our scientists aim to develop biomarkers and diagnostic tools for early detection of abnormal fetal development. They are also developing intervention therapies with a goal to prevent and treat abnormal fetal development. Our research aims to get to the root of childhood diseases and behavioural disorders, helping improve the overall quality of life for children.
Dr. Michelle Mottola
Dr. Michelle Mottola specializes in maternal health during pregnancy and understanding environmental health factors through her Exercise and Pregnancy Laboratory. Her research concerns health and nutrition, investigating activity during pregnancy to optimize health outcomes.