Jun Zhang, PhD, MD, Epidemiology Branch, NICHD:
Perinatal/Obstetric Epidemiology
- Labor progression and risk of Cesarean delivery
We have been examining factors that affect labor progression and risk of Cesarean delivery such as elective induction of labor, epidural analgesia and pelvimetry. Advanced statistical methods are applied to those analyses. We are launching a large study to describe labor progression in the U.S. population and to identify a more appropriate time to perform a Cesarean delivery in women with labor protraction and arrest.
- Fetal growth and fetal weight estimation
How to define normal fetal growth and fetal growth restriction has been a long-standing challenge. We have been studying fetal growth based on ultrasound measurements and risk factors for fetal growth restriction. We are preparing a large study to establish a national standard for normal fetal growth and to improve fetal weight estimation based on new sonographic measurements.
- Maternal, fetal and placental physiology and pathology in consecutive pregnancies
Poor pregnancy outcomes (e.g., fetal growth restriction, preterm birth and preeclampsia) often repeat in the same women. These outcomes may also be affected by duration of inter-pregnancy interval and partner change. We are interested in examining changes in maternal, fetal and placental physiology and pathology in consecutive pregnancies using a large perinatal database. Understanding the underlying physiology/pathology may help us explain why repeated adverse outcomes occur and whether any preventive strategies can be applied.
