Study of Early Life Factors Affecting Maternal and Child Health from Birth to Age 21 in Boston

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how early life exposures affect health outcomes in both mothers and children. It focuses on a wide range of factors starting from birth and tracks their impact on pediatric and adult health. The study is observational and investigates pregnancy complications, birth outcomes such as preterm birth and birthweight, as well as long-term child and maternal health up to 21 years after delivery. Participants include women who deliver a single live infant at Boston Medical Center, either preterm or full term with varying birthweights. The study involves enrolling mother-child pairs and following them from birth until the child reaches 21 years of age. Data collection includes high-quality biospecimen sampling, detailed questionnaires, clinical measurements, and review of electronic medical records. Throughout the study, participants undergo comprehensive health assessments and data collection to monitor pregnancy complications at birth, birth outcomes, and ongoing child and maternal health outcomes. Researchers measure these outcomes from birth through 21 years, aiming to identify factors influencing long-term health. The studys long follow-up period allows for extensive observation of health developments in both mother and child.

Boston Birth Cohort Study