Pregnancy And Child Development
Research Study
This study brings together parents, caregivers, health care providers, and researchers to help your children grow to be healthy and happy. Join the HBCD Study and help uncover how early life experiences can shape an individual’s future!
Fast Facts
Pregnant individuals ages 18+
Have not finished a 4-year degree
Receive up to $2,010 in the first 5 years
Conducted in
Boston, MA
Study Background
The HBCD Study will enroll a large cohort of participating families from across the U.S. and follow them and their children through early childhood. The researchers want to better understand how the brain develops and is affected by exposure to substances and other environmental conditions during pregnancy and after birth.
Researchers will collect information during pregnancy and through early childhood, including:
- Pictures of the brain
- Growth measurements
- Biosamples from parents/pregnant individuals (blood, urine, saliva, nail clippings) and babies (urine, stool, saliva)
- Medical and family history surveys
- Information about their social, emotional, and cognitive development
Participating families will be individuals in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy or who have recently given birth and their children. It is important that people who join the study are from a range of backgrounds, with varied income levels, education, and substance use histories.
All identifying information from or about you will be kept private and confidential, as required by law. Your family’s information and samples will be stored without personally identifiable information, along with that of others in the study.
Researchers will learn from your contributions for many years to come. Join today!
Additional Information
The first few years of life are a time of rapid growth and brain development. The HBCD Study will help us better understand how a child may be shaped by experiences and conditions in pregnancy and early life. These include social and environmental experiences in early life and exposure to substances (such as opioids, alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) during pregnancy.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
- Pregnant individuals ages 18+
- Have not finished a 4-year degree
- Have used opioids during their current pregnancy
- Live within 50 miles of the Boston area
- Speak English or Spanish
- Plan on staying in the area after the child is born
- Plan on being one of the primary caregivers for the child
The HBCD Study begins with 3-4 visits in the first year with only 1-2 visits in subsequent years. During these visits, you will be asked to complete interviews and questionnaires.
In addition, you and/or your child will be asked to:
- Provide samples, such as blood (from mom) and saliva
- Participate in behavioral assessments
- Wear activity and/or heart rate trackers for brief periods of time
- Undergo safe, non-invasive methods that provide pictures of your child’s brain and measure the brain activity of your child
Receive up to $2,010 over the first 5 years, plus free transportation to and from study visits (Uber, rideshare, or gas reimbursement).
All study assessments and procedures will be provided to you free of charge.