Normal Development of the Human Fetus and How Maternal Lifestyle and Environment Influence It Between 7 and 20 Weeks of Gestation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are examining how various maternal lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, alcohol use, drug abuse, prescription medicines, and exposure to chemicals can affect human fetal development. The study focuses on fetuses between 7 and 20 weeks of gestation, a critical period for development, to better understand the mechanisms by which these exposures may cause long-term health issues like obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and infertility. This observational study aims to provide fundamental knowledge about normal fetal development and how adverse maternal influences can alter it, ultimately affecting health in adulthood. The study involves collecting multiple fetal organs and body fluids from normal pregnancies as well as pregnancies where the mother experiences challenges such as smoking, obesity, or exposure to pollutants. Researchers will use various laboratory and microscopic techniques to analyze hormones, genes, proteins, chemicals, and DNA from fetal tissues. The investigation covers many systems including the endocrine, reproductive, nervous, metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, musculoskeletal, and placental development. There is also a focus on maternal emotional health and its impact on the fetus, as well as a study on nerve repair potential. No active intervention is performed; this is a detailed observational research program. Participants will be involved during early pregnancy, with fetal tissue collection occurring between 7 and 20 weeks of gestation. Researchers will gather extensive data on fetal development and maternal lifestyle, including questionnaires related to alcohol use and emotional wellbeing. The main outcome is the creation of a large dataset describing normal fetal development and the effects of maternal environment, which will be used for future research to improve health outcomes. The study includes long-term follow-up of up to 10 years to assess how early fetal exposures relate to adult health and disease risks.

Scottish Advanced Fetal Research Study