Investigating the impact of gut microbiome and nutrition on pregnancy outcomes

Elucidating the Dynamics and Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Maternal Nutritional Status During Pregnancy

Observational The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT04992104

This study is trying to see how a pregnant woman's diet and gut bacteria affect her baby's health and growth, focusing on younger moms in Toronto who might not be getting enough nutrition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment800 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 28 Years
SexFemale
SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Toronto and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04992104 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore how a mother's nutritional status and gut microbiome during pregnancy affect the health and birth outcomes of her baby. It focuses on pregnant women aged 28 years and younger in the Toronto area, particularly those vulnerable to undernutrition. Participants will provide stool samples, blood samples, and dietary assessments throughout their pregnancy and for a year after delivery. The study seeks to establish the relationship between maternal nutrition, microbiome dynamics, and newborn growth.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women aged 28 years and younger who are between 8-20 weeks post-conception.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 28 years old or more than 20 weeks post-conception will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional interventions for pregnant women, enhancing birth outcomes and infant health.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on the microbiome and nutrition in this demographic is novel, related studies have shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's impact on health.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Consent provided
2. Participant is between 8-20 weeks post-conception
3. Female aged 28 years of age and younger
4. Confirmation of pregnancy
5. Intend to comply with study procedures and follow up

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women who do not meet the enrolment age criteria
2. Women who are 20 + weeks post-conception
3. Women who have taken antibiotics within the past 3 months Note: it is common practice to give the mother penicillin in perinatal period if they are GBS positive; because this is standardized across the board it would not act as an exclusion factor.

Where this trial is running

Toronto and 1 other locations

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 RelatedPregnancy LossPregnancy ComplicationsPregnancyParasitic DiseaseMicrobial ColonizationMicrobial DiseaseMetabolomics
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.