Spontaneous Abortion

The objective of this questionnaire-based study is to prospectively assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a population of women who have experienced a spontaneous miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy. The investigation into the prevalence of PTSD symptoms will assist in better identifying women who may benefit from early psychological intervention.

The Heartland Study is a prospective, observational study that will enroll up to 2,600 pregnant participants across the Heartland States in the U.S.. The objective of the Heartland Study is to address major knowledge gaps concerning the health effects of herbicides on maternal and infant health. The study is being conducted to evaluate the associations between environmental exposures to herbicides during and after pregnancy and reproductive health outcomes. The study is measuring multiple biomarkers of herbicide exposure among pregnant Midwesterners and their partners to evaluate associations with pregnancy and childbirth outcomes, epigenetic biomarkers of exposure, and child development.

Physical activity in both the preconception period and during pregnancy may enhance the probability of getting pregnant and reduce the risks of complications during pregnancy. Adults, including pregnant women without complications, are recommended to be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day to maintain physical and mental health. Nonetheless, many women reduce their level of exercise during early pregnancy. With this project, we will test the effectiveness of receiving motivational counseling on physical activity (PA) among women trying to conceive and during the first trimester of the pregnancy if they conceive. We will further investigate whether PA is associated with fecundability, spontaneous abortion (SAB) and other birth outcomes, i.e., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and birth weight.