Sandra Davidge

Summary:

The Davidge laboratory studies cardiovascular physiology with a specific interest in improving pregnancy outcomes. We study how the cardiovascular system adapts to pregnancy under normal circumstances, and investigate how these normal actions are impaired in pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific condition (characterized by high blood pressure and vascular dysfunction) that affects 5-8% of pregnancies and impacts both the health of the mother and the child during pregnancy and later in life. The Davidge lab studies preeclampsia, but also other complications of pregnancy, such as reduced oxygen to the fetus and pregnancies at advanced maternal age (maternal age >35 years). Together with her trainees and collaborators, Dr. Davidge is striving to develop early intervention and prevention strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes that will also improve the long-term cardiovascular health for both the mother and her child.