Pregnancy And Child Development Research Study
Researchers at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute are conducting a long-term study to understand how early life experiences affect brain and child development, beginning before birth and continuing through childhood.
Fast Facts
Currently pregnant
Ages 18+
Compensation
Provided Up To $1710
Conducted in
Little Rock, AR
Study Background
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study is a nationwide research effort designed to understand how children grow and develop in different environments, starting during pregnancy.
The HBCD Study is a large, multi-site research study following pregnant individuals and their children from before birth through age 10. Researchers will examine how the brain, thinking skills, emotions, behavior, and social development unfold over time. By collecting information early in life and following families for many years, the study aims to identify both challenges and protective factors that influence healthy development.
This study looks at a wide range of environmental and biological influences, including stress, mental health, substance exposure, family and social experiences, genetics, and parent-child interactions. With approximately 7,500 participants recruited from 25 sites across the United States, the HBCD Study will create one of the most comprehensive child development datasets ever assembled. Findings from this research will help guide future health care, prevention strategies, and national policies to support children and families.
Study Background
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study is a nationwide research effort designed to understand how children grow and develop in different environments, starting during pregnancy.
The HBCD Study is a large, multi-site research study following pregnant individuals and their children from before birth through age 10. Researchers will examine how the brain, thinking skills, emotions, behavior, and social development unfold over time. By collecting information early in life and following families for many years, the study aims to identify both challenges and protective factors that influence healthy development.
This study looks at a wide range of environmental and biological influences, including stress, mental health, substance exposure, family and social experiences, genetics, and parent-child interactions. With approximately 7,500 participants recruited from 25 sites across the United States, the HBCD Study will create one of the most comprehensive child development datasets ever assembled. Findings from this research will help guide future health care, prevention strategies, and national policies to support children and families.
Additional Information
This study is being done to better understand how early life experiences, starting during pregnancy, shape brain development and long-term health outcomes for children.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Currently pregnant
- Live within central Arkansas
- Families that use substances, and those who do not
- Plan on staying in the central Arkansas area after the child is born
- Plan on being one of the primary caregivers for the child
If you choose to participate:
You will complete a phone screening interview to see if you are eligible
You will take part in scheduled study visits during pregnancy and after your child is born
Visits may include interviews, surveys, and developmental assessments
Some visits include brain scans using MRI or EEG
Samples may be collected to help researchers understand biological development
At certain visits, your child may wear small, safe sensors on their arm or leg for a few days to measure sleep, movement, and heart rate
You and your child will be followed over time, through approximately age 10
All visits are designed to be family-friendly, and participation can be paused or withdrawn at any time.
Participants are compensated for their time and effort throughout the study.
Total compensation can be up to $1,710, or $1,460 plus up to 10 months of diapers, depending on visit options
Payments are provided at each visit
Transportation support is available, including Uber Health rides or mileage reimbursement, to help make participation easier
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.