The Heartland Study Observing Herbicide Exposure Effects on Pregnant Women and Their Babies in the Heartland States

What this Trial Is About

The Heartland Study is a prospective observational research project enrolling up to 2,600 pregnant participants across the Heartland States in the U.S. It aims to fill important knowledge gaps about how herbicide exposure affects maternal and infant health. Researchers will examine links between environmental herbicide exposure during and after pregnancy and outcomes related to reproduction, childbirth, and child development, including epigenetic biomarkers of exposure. During the first phase, pregnant participants up to 20 weeks and 6 days gestation will be enrolled and followed through to the end of pregnancy. Urine and cheek cell samples will be collected to measure herbicide exposure and identify related epigenetic changes. The study will also gather information through questionnaires about food and drink habits, chemical exposures at work and home, substance use, living near agricultural fields, and socioeconomic factors. Participants will have their pregnancy outcomes and fetal health tracked and analyzed to explore potential effects of herbicide exposure on the fetus. Researchers will monitor pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and hypertensive disorders up to 12 weeks after delivery. The study includes questionnaires and biological sample collection during pregnancy to assess exposure and health outcomes. Overall participation lasts through pregnancy and shortly after delivery, providing comprehensive data on maternal and infant health in relation to herbicide exposure.

The Heartland Study