Haas DM, Parker CB, Wing DA, Parry S, Grobman WA, Mercer BM, Simhan HN, Hoffman MK, Silver RM, Wadhwa P, Iams JD, Koch MA, Caritis SN, Wapner RJ, Esplin MS, Elovitz MA, Foroud T, Peaceman AM, Saade GR, Willinger M, Reddy UM,
Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2015 Apr;212(4):539.e1-539.e24
PMID: 25648779
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of the “Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: monitoring mothers-to-be” is to determine maternal characteristics, which include genetic, physiologic response to pregnancy, and environmental factors that predict adverse pregnancy outcomes.
STUDY DESIGN: Nulliparous women in the first trimester of pregnancy were recruited into an observational cohort study. Participants were seen at 3 study visits during pregnancy and again at delivery. We collected data from in-clinic interviews, take-home surveys, clinical measurements, ultrasound studies, and chart abstractions. Maternal biospecimens (serum, plasma, urine, cervicovaginal fluid) at antepartum study visits and delivery specimens (placenta, umbilical cord, cord blood) were collected, processed, and stored. The primary outcome of the study was defined as pregnancy ending at <37+0 weeks’ gestation. Key study hypotheses involve adverse pregnancy outcomes of spontaneous preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.
RESULTS: We recruited 10,037 women to the study. Basic characteristics of the cohort at screening are reported.
CONCLUSION: The “Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: monitoring mothers-to-be” cohort study methods and procedures can help investigators when they plan future projects.