Ängla Mantel

I am an Associate Professor in Clinical Epidemiology, affiliated with the Clinical Epidemiology Division at the Department of Medicine, Solna. I combine research in reproductive epidemiology with clinical practice as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Karolinska University Hospital.

My research centers on the effects of chronic maternal conditions on pregnancy outcomes, neonatal and child health, the influence of delivery characteristics on neonatal well-being and maternal reproductive outcomes, and the interplay between women's reproductive health and cardiovascular health.

My work is supported by funding from the Strategic Research Area in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (SFOepi), the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, and Region Stockholm.

Pregnancy involves extensive physiological adaptations to support the growing fetus and prepare for delivery. These changes make pregnancy and the postpartum period particularly vulnerable times for both mothers and their offspring, especially for women with pre-existing chronic conditions. Moreover, pregnancy provides a critical window for identifying individuals—both mothers and children—at risk of impaired short- and long-term health, as pregnancy and perinatal outcomes are closely linked to future health trajectories.

Understanding these associations is essential for antenatal care planning, preventing pregnancy complications, and implementing effective strategies to mitigate long-term health risks for women and children.

My research focuses on the impact of specific maternal conditions—such as eating disorders, acute hepatic porphyria, and heart disease—on pregnancy, perinatal, and child health. I am also actively involved in projects exploring how the mode of delivery influences child health, including the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Additionally, I have a strong interest in women-specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease. My ongoing work examines various aspects of the relationship between women’s reproductive history and their cardiovascular disease risk, aiming to shed light on mechanisms and prevention strategies.