IVF and Prenatal Effects Independent of Genetics Study
This observational study is looking at how stress during pregnancy might affect a baby's brain and behavior development. Researchers want to understand if these effects are due to the environment during pregnancy or if they are passed down through genes. They will compare women who had IVF using donor eggs/embryos (meaning no shared genetics with the baby) with women who had IVF using their own eggs. If you are between 18 and 50 years old, 18-28 weeks pregnant with an IVF pregnancy (donor or non-donor), and receive your care at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, you might be able to join. The study aims to see changes in the baby's heart rate and movement patterns in the womb. The current recruitment status is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an observational study planning to enroll 360 women. It compares two groups of women who had IVF pregnancies.
- What's involved
- You would complete questionnaires, provide blood samples, and participate in placenta and cord blood collection, fetal monitoring, and newborn brain activity assessments.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Fetal heart rate changes will be measured at approximately 34-36 weeks of pregnancy.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Prenatal Effects Independent of Genetics
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Catherine Monk, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Columbia University
Who to contact
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What this trial measures
- Change in fetal heart rate (FHR)At Pregnancy Session 2 (approximately 34-36 weeks of pregnancy)
This is to measure 3rd trimester fetal heart rate (FHR) reactivity. Change in FHR in response to maternal response to the Stroop task, indicating greater fetal autonomic response associated with maternal distress. Units: Beats per minute (bpm). Greater FHR indicates higher stress.
- Standard deviation of fetal heart rateAt Pregnancy Session 2 (approximately 34-36 weeks of pregnancy)
This is to measure fetal heart rate (FHR) variability, reflecting less vagal modulation of the heart associated with maternal distress. Units: Standard deviation of beats per minute. Lesser standard deviation (SD) indicates lower stress.
- Cross correlation of fetal movement and heart rate changeAt Pregnancy Session 2 (approximately 34-36 weeks of pregnancy)
This is to measure fetal heart rate (FHR)-movement coupling, reflecting central nervous system regulation. Units: Cross correlation value. Lower value indicates lower coupling.
- Average percent DNA methylation of the FKBP5 gene in placental tissueAt delivery (approximately 37-40 weeks)
This is to measure FKBP5 DNA Methylation. Units: proportion of methylated vs unmethylated. Greater percent indicates higher methylation.
- Average percent DNA methylation of the HSD11B2 gene in placental tissueAt delivery (approximately 37-40 weeks)
This is to measure HSD11B2 DNA Methylation. Units: proportion of methylated vs unmethylated. Greater percent indicates higher methylation.
- Relative expression of key pro-inflammatory markers in placental tissueAt delivery (approximately 37-40 weeks)
This is to measure expression of Pro-Inflammatory Placental Genes. Units: Gene expression. Greater value indicates greater expression.