Pregnancy and Child Development Research Study
Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are conducting a study on brain and child development for pregnant individuals.
Fast Facts
Currently Pregnant
Speak English or Spanish
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Los Angeles, CA
Study Background
Help researchers understand how early life experiences shape a child’s brain and development.
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study is a nationwide research effort following pregnant individuals and their children from before birth through early childhood. This study aims to better understand how different experiences, such as stress, sleep, nutrition, environment, and family relationships, affect a child’s brain, behavior, and overall growth.
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, researchers are recruiting 300 pregnant individuals and their children to join this important 10-year project. Participation helps scientists learn how biological, social, and environmental factors influence child development, with the goal of improving health outcomes for families across the country.
Study Background
Help researchers understand how early life experiences shape a child’s brain and development.
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study is a nationwide research effort following pregnant individuals and their children from before birth through early childhood. This study aims to better understand how different experiences, such as stress, sleep, nutrition, environment, and family relationships, affect a child’s brain, behavior, and overall growth.
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, researchers are recruiting 300 pregnant individuals and their children to join this important 10-year project. Participation helps scientists learn how biological, social, and environmental factors influence child development, with the goal of improving health outcomes for families across the country.
Additional Information
Researchers want to understand how early experiences and environments influence a child’s brain, emotional, and behavioral development from pregnancy through age 10.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Currently pregnant
- Speak English or Spanish
- Not planning on terminating pregnancy or giving the child up for adoption
- Able to provide informed consent
Participants will complete several study visits, starting during pregnancy and continuing after the child is born. Visits include questionnaires, interviews, sample collection (like saliva or blood), and developmental assessments for your child such as MRI and EEG scans. Some surveys can be completed remotely by email.
Participants can earn up to $1,890 for completing all study visits. All visits take place at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Free or reimbursed parking is provided.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.