Investigating early life environmental impacts on health in Shenzhen

Shenzhen Birth Cohort Study

Observational Sun Yat-sen University · NCT03830879

This study is trying to see how the environment during pregnancy affects the health of mothers and their children in Shenzhen, China, over seven years.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment10000 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 49 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shenzhen, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT03830879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Shenzhen Birth Cohort Study aims to explore how early life environmental exposures affect both short- and long-term health outcomes. This observational study will recruit 10,000 pregnant women in Shenzhen, China, and follow them for seven years, collecting biological samples, questionnaires, and data on child growth and development. The research is supported by local health authorities and involves a multidisciplinary team of public health experts. The study seeks to provide evidence for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis and identify prevention strategies for childhood diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women planning to deliver and participate in child care at the hospital in Shenzhen, who are less than 20 weeks pregnant.

Not a fit: Patients who are more than 20 weeks pregnant or unable to deliver at the participating hospital will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes for children by identifying risk factors associated with pregnancy complications and childhood diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in similar observational approaches, particularly in understanding the impact of early life exposures on health outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Pregnant women plan to delivery and participate in child care in our hospital; 2. Pregnant women plan to reside in Shenzhen for at least 7 years; 3. Pregnant women who show interest in the study and agree to provide informed consent; 4. Gestational weeks are less than 20 weeks.Those who will agree that their neonatal will be included in the study and be followed up regularly in our child health clinic until an age of 7 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women who have been pregnant for more than 20 weeks; refuse to participate; unable to guarantee delivery in our hospital or can't participate in child care in our hospital; mentally incapacitated and need guardians; or be unwilling to sign informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Shenzhen, Guangdong

Study contacts

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 Pregnancy ComplicationsGestational DiabetesObstetric Labor ComplicationsNeurodevelopmental DisordersChildhood Obesity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.