A birth cohort study in the United Arab Emirates

The First United Arab Emirates National Representative Birth Cohort Study

Observational United Arab Emirates University · NCT04928898

This study is trying to learn more about the health of pregnant Emirati women and their babies by following them through pregnancy and the first two years of the child's life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 60 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUnited Arab Emirates University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Al Ain, Abu Dhabi)
Trial IDNCT04928898 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to recruit 250 pregnant Emirati women in their first trimester to collect comprehensive data on maternal and child health. Participants will undergo 11 visits throughout their pregnancy and the first two years of their child's life, where various factors such as socio-demographics, lifestyle, dietary intake, and psychological state will be assessed. The study seeks to understand the health patterns and outcomes in this population, contributing valuable insights into child and maternal health in the UAE.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Emirati women who are between 8 to 12 weeks pregnant with a singleton pregnancy and no major preconception illnesses.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-Emirati, have multiple pregnancies, or significant chronic illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide critical data to improve maternal and child health policies and practices in the UAE.

How similar studies have performed: While similar cohort studies have been conducted globally, this specific approach in the UAE is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Emirati Nationality
* Within first trimester of pregnancy (between 8 -12 weeks of gestation)
* Singleton pregnancy
* Absence of major illness preconception (Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, cancer, epilepsy, severe psychiatric illness, and other chronic diseases of infections such as autoimmune disorders, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-Emirati
* Unconfirmed viable, intrauterine pregnancy at first obstetric ultrasound during first trimester
* Twin or multiple gestation pregnancy and a history of multiple gestations
* History of chronic illness (i.e., T2DM, hypertension, etc.)
* Previously given birth to babies with malformation, intellectual disability, or inborn errors of metabolism.
* Experience of a miscarriage before 28 weeks of gestation
* On significant regular medications, including insulin, anti-hypertensive agents, psychotropic medications, anti-epileptic drugs, steroids, immune-suppressive agents, and chemotherapeutic agents.

Where this trial is running

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Child and Maternal Health
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.