Pregnancy Paid Research Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in pregnant individuals to better understand how early life experiences affect child development and health.
Fast Facts
Currently 10-18 weeks pregnant
Planning to deliver at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA
Compensation
Provided
Study Background
Pregnancy and early childhood are critical periods of development, and experiences during this time can shape a child’s physical health, brain development, and emotional well-being. Factors like the environment, stress, and biology may influence outcomes such as breathing problems, learning and behavior, and overall health. This study aims to better understand how these early influences affect children over time, even beginning before birth.
Eventually, the findings of this research may help improve lifelong health outcomes for children and support families in building strong, healthy futures.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in pregnant individuals to better understand how early life experiences affect child development and health.
Pregnancy and early childhood are critical periods of development, and experiences during this time can shape a child’s physical health, brain development, and emotional well-being. Factors like the environment, stress, and biology may influence outcomes such as breathing problems, learning and behavior, and overall health. This study aims to better understand how these early influences affect children over time, even beginning before birth.
Eventually, the findings of this research may help improve lifelong health outcomes for children and support families in building strong, healthy futures.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand how early life, including pregnancy, affects a child’s development, health, and well-being. We aim to better understand how factors such as the prenatal environment, stress, and exposure to different biological and social experiences influence a child’s brain development, breathing and immune health, emotional regulation, and overall functioning as they grow.
To do this, we collect information from pregnant individuals and follow their children over time, measuring biological samples, health outcomes, and developmental milestones. This research will help us learn how early experiences shape children’s health, so we can identify ways to promote healthy development from the very beginning of life.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Currently 10–18 weeks pregnant
- Planning to deliver at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA
Exclusion Criteria:
- Planning to deliver outside of Magee Women’s Hospital
- Currently less than 10 weeks or more than 18 weeks pregnant
The study follows you and your child from pregnancy through early childhood, and will last through at least 2030 and may continue after that. Once enrolled, the study involves:
During Pregnancy: You’ll complete 2 visits — one before 20 weeks and another later in pregnancy. These visits include:
- Health and development interviews
- Questionnaires
- Biological sample collection (e.g., blood, saliva)
After Birth: You and your child will return for follow-up visits at key developmental stages:
- 0–5 months
- 6–11 months
- 12–23 months
- 24–35 months
- Annually from ages 3 to 10
Each visit includes:
- Questionnaires about your child’s health and behavior
- Interviews with you
- Developmental assessments of your child
- Biological sample collection such as Blood, Urine, Saliva, Hair, and Stool
As a participant, you may receive up to $2330.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.