Overview
The National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD) created the Maternal Fetal
Medicine Units (MFMU) Network in 1986 to focus on
clinical questions in maternal fetal medicine and
obstetrics, particularly with respect to the
continuing problem of preterm birth. Operating
under cooperative agreements, the current Network
is comprised of fourteen university-based clinical
centers and a data coordinating center. More than
30 randomized clinical trials, cohort studies and
registries have been completed or are in progress.
Vision Statement
The MFMU Network is designed to conduct perinatal
studies to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Greatest emphasis and priority are given to
randomized-controlled trials, followed by observational
studies.
Vision Statement Goals
The major aims of the Network are to reduce the rates
of preterm birth, fetal growth abnormalities,
neurologic sequelae of the newborn, and maternal
complications of pregnancy, as well as to evaluate
maternal and fetal interventions for efficacy, safety,
and cost-effectiveness. Included in these aims are
translational research, the use of genetics, and the
evaluation of new technologies in the promotion of
maternal-child health/prevention of disease.
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