Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 16 and up

Research on how maternal lifestyle affects fetal development

Official title: Normal Development of the Human Fetus and the Influences and Mechanisms by Which That Development Occurs and is Perturbed

Run by University of Aberdeen · NCT04613583 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how a mother's habits like smoking and drinking during pregnancy can affect her baby's growth and health later in life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages16 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment1200 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Aberdeen
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aberdeen)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2016
Main results expectedOctober 1, 2028
Study endsOctober 1, 2028
Registry record updatedMay 5, 2026
Trial IDNCT04613583 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 16 years and older, between 7-20 weeks of gestation, with normal fetal development.

Probably not a fit

Patients with identified fetal anomalies or significant emotional distress 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 aims to investigate the impact of maternal lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug exposure, on fetal development and long-term health outcomes. By analyzing fetal tissues collected from women at 7-20 weeks of gestation, the researchers will explore the mechanisms through which these exposures influence the fetal endocrine system and overall development. The study employs a range of laboratory techniques to assess hormones, proteins, and genetic material in the fetal tissues, collaborating with various research groups to enhance the understanding of fetal programming. The findings could provide insights into preventing adverse health conditions linked to in-utero exposures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing long-term health issues in individuals exposed to harmful substances during pregnancy.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on fetal exposure to harmful substances, this specific approach to directly analyze human fetal tissues is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women at 7-20 weeks of gestation (critical stage of fetal development).
* Women aged 16 years and older, deemed capable of making a rational decision.
* Absence of fetal anomaly at ultrasound scan (only normal fetuses are required).
* Women who are fluent English speakers. This is in order to ensure the woman understands that fetal tissues will be collected.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Women exhibiting considerable emotional distress.
* Fetal anomalies identified at ultrasound scan.

Where it's running

  • University of Aberdeen
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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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.