Microbiome and Malnutrition in Pregnancy
This research wants to understand how a pregnant mother's food choices and the tiny living things (like bacteria) in her gut might affect her baby's health and development. It's especially focused on younger women (28 and under) in the Toronto area, as they can sometimes be more at risk of not getting enough nutrients. If you take part, researchers will follow you throughout your pregnancy and your baby for a year after they're born. They'll collect samples like poo and blood, and ask about your diet and health. The aim is to see if a healthy gut and good nutrition in mums lead to better birth outcomes and healthier babies, and understand what happens when this isn't the case.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is trying to understand an important connection: how a mother's diet and the tiny living things in her gut (called the gut microbiome) influence her pregnancy and her baby's health. Think of the gut microbiome as a bustling community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live inside our digestive system. These tiny helpers can play a big role in how we digest food and absorb nutrients.
We know that getting the right nutrition during pregnancy is really important for both mum and baby. This study aims to find out if changes in a mother's gut microbiome, especially when combined with not getting enough nutrients, could affect how a baby develops and grows. Sometimes, if the balance of gut bugs is off, or if there are certain unwelcome visitors like parasites, it might stop the mum from getting all the goodness from her food, which could then impact her baby.
Researchers are focusing on younger pregnant women, aged 28 and under, living in the Toronto area. This is because they believe this group might be more vulnerable to not getting enough nutrients. By carefully studying these mums and their babies, they hope to get a much clearer picture of how these factors tie together. Ultimately, the goal is to use this knowledge to help more mums have healthy pregnancies and give their babies the best possible start in life.
Key takeaways
- The study explores how a mum's nutrition and gut bugs affect her baby's health.
- It focuses on pregnant women aged 28 and under in the Toronto area.
- Participation involves giving samples (blood, stool) and health checks for over a year.
- No new medications are given as part of this study.
- The goal is to improve understanding for healthier pregnancies and babies worldwide.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for pregnant women who are 28 years old or younger. You would also need to be somewhere between 8 and 20 weeks pregnant when you join the study. It's important that you're willing to follow the study's plan and attend follow-up appointments.
Unfortunately, if you are older than 28, or if you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study. Also, if you've had antibiotics in the last three months, that would normally mean you can't join. However, if you've been given penicillin for a specific pregnancy-related infection (Group B Strep), that's usually okay and wouldn't stop you from taking part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 28 years old or younger?
- Are you currently between 8 and 20 weeks pregnant?
- Are you able to attend appointments in Toronto or the greater Toronto area?
- Are you willing to provide samples like blood and stool?
- Have you *not* taken antibiotics in the last three months (unless it was penicillin for Group B Strep during pregnancy)?
What does participation involve?
If you agree to take part in this study, you'll be followed throughout your pregnancy and for a year after your baby is born. During this time, you'll have several visits where researchers will collect different samples. This will include stool (poo) samples, swabs from your bottom, and blood samples. They will also carry out health checks, ask about your diet and what you eat, and gather details about your labour and birth.
Your newborn will also be involved after delivery as part of the follow-up for the first year of their life. The study aims to understand how your health during pregnancy affects your baby's health and growth. There are no medications involved in this study; it's all about observing and collecting information.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- St. Michael's HospitalVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
Common questions
What is the 'gut microbiome'?
It's the collection of all the tiny living things, like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live in your digestive system. They help with digestion and overall health.
Why are you focusing on younger pregnant women?
Researchers want to understand more about the gut health of young women and believe they might be more at risk of not getting enough nutrients, which could affect their babies.
Will I have to take any medicine in this study?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It's purely an observational study where researchers collect information and samples.
How long will I be involved in the study?
You'll be followed throughout your pregnancy and your baby will be followed for a full year after they are born.
What kind of samples will be collected?
Researchers will collect stool (poo) samples, swabs from your bottom, and blood samples at different times during the study.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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