Actively Recruiting
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Prenatal Effects Independent of Genetics
Led by Columbia University · Updated on 2026-05-13
360
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
221 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Columbia University
Lead Sponsor
U
University of California, Los Angeles
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study examines how maternal stress during pregnancy affects infant brain and behavioral development, focusing on whether these effects are due to the prenatal environment or shared genes. By comparing IVF pregnancies using donor eggs/embryos (no shared genetics) with non-donor IVF pregnancies, the investigators aim to understand how stress influences the baby's development independent of genetic factors. Participants will complete questionnaires, provide blood samples, and take part in placenta and cord blood collection, fetal monitoring, and newborn brain activity assessments. Aim 1: The influence of maternal distress on perinatal neurobehavioral development. Hypotheses: Independent of IVF group status, higher maternal AL will be associated with higher 3rd trimester FHR reactivity, lower FHR variability, AND lower FHR-movement coupling Aim 2: Maternal distress affecting placenta gene methylation. Hypotheses: Independent of IVF group status, maternal AL will be associated with placenta differential DNA methylation in glucocorticoid-regulating genes (FKBP5 and HSD11B2), Aim 3: Maternal experiences associated with unique placenta transcriptomic profiles. Hypotheses: Independent of IVF group status, maternal AL and well-being each will be associated with unique placenta gene expression in pro-inflammatory genes
CONDITIONS
Official Title
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Prenatal Effects Independent of Genetics
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals aged 18 to 50 years with donor or homologous IVF pregnancies between 18 and 28 gestational weeks
- Receiving perinatal health care through Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Department of OB/GYN
- Planning to deliver at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital
- Offspring of patients receiving care and delivering at these institutions
- Enrollment at Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Department of OB/GYN, delivering at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed addiction disorder
- Severe psychiatric condition impairing daily functioning and untreated or not effectively managed
- Multiple fetal pregnancy
- Known chromosomal, genetic, or major fetal malformations
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis
- Not planning to deliver at a CUIMC-affiliated hospital
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York, United States, 10032
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Catherine Monk, PhD
CONTACT
K
Khadija Jones, MPH
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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