Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational

Exploring how mothers pass gut bacteria to their babies

Official title: Mother-infant Microbiota Transmission and Its Link to the Health of the Baby

Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT04117321 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how mothers pass their gut bacteria to their babies during birth to see how it affects the baby's health and development.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
SexAll
Enrollment20000 (estimated)
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 23, 2019
Main results expectedOctober 2, 2026
Study endsOctober 2, 2027
Registry record updatedMay 29, 2024
Trial IDNCT04117321 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women who plan to give birth at the local hospital and can provide informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not plan to stay in the local area for at least 7 years post-delivery may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the transmission of gut microbiota from mothers to their infants and its implications for the health of the baby. It focuses on understanding how the maternal microbiome influences the early development of the infant's gut microbiota, which can affect growth, neurodevelopment, and the risk of allergic and cognitive disorders. The study aims to recruit pregnant women who plan to give birth at a local hospital and follow them and their newborns over time to analyze the microbiota changes. The research highlights the importance of early childhood as a critical period for microbiota development and potential manipulation to prevent future health issues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how maternal health influences infant gut microbiota, potentially leading to strategies for preventing chronic diseases in children.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of maternal microbiota in infant health, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Pregnant women

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being pregnant
2. Plan to give birth in local hospital
3. Competent to provide informed consent (no mental illness or dementia, etc. that will hinder their ability to undertake informed consent)
4. Plan to stay in the same local area for at least 7 years post-delivery Exclusion Criteria: No

New Born Baby Inclusion Criteria

1. Be a new born baby of an enrolled pregnant woman
2. One of the parents or legal guardian is competent to provide informed consent (no mental illness or dementia, etc. that will hinder their ability to undertake informed consent) Exclusion Criteria: No

Father of new born baby Inclusion Criteria

1. Biological father of an enrolled new born baby
2. Competent to provide informed consent (no mental illness or dementia, etc. that will hinder their ability to undertake informed consent) Exclusion Criteria: No

Where it's running

  • Prince of Wales Hospital
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.