Study of early life factors affecting maternal and child health

Early Life Origins of Pediatric and Adult Diseases: Boston Birth Cohort Study

Observational Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health · NCT03228875

This study looks at how factors from early life affect the health of mothers and their children, focusing on women giving birth at Boston Medical Center.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment24000 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT03228875 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Boston Birth Cohort Study investigates how early life exposures influence health outcomes for mothers and their children. It enrolls women delivering singleton live infants at Boston Medical Center, focusing on those with either preterm births or full-term births with low birth weight. The study collects high-quality biospecimens and comprehensive data on environmental exposures, clinical history, and maternal health through standardized interviews and medical record reviews. Follow-up assessments are conducted from birth until the child reaches 21 years of age.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include mothers delivering singleton live infants at Boston Medical Center, particularly those with preterm births or low birth weight infants.

Not a fit: Patients who have pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization, multiple gestations, or significant fetal abnormalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into preventing adverse health outcomes related to early life exposures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding the impact of early life factors on health, making this approach both relevant and valuable.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Mothers who deliver singleton live births at Boston Medical Center are eligible for the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancies that are a result of in vitro fertilization or that involve multiple gestations, fetal chromosomal abnormalities or major birth defects.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 Maternal HealthChild HealthPregnancy ComplicationsBirth Outcome, AdverseBoston Birth CohortEarly life origins of pediatric and adult diseaseGene environment interactionHealth across life course and generations
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.