PreStep study

When it comes to the development and future health of newborns, genetics is just one piece of the puzzle. Environmental factors, exposures, and events during pregnancy, birth and the first years of life also play a crucial role. Moreover, developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism, among others, are identifiable in early infancy and may have a negative impact on the physical, mental, and social abilities of individuals, thus affecting their later academic, social, and work-related capabilities, as well as their overall health and well-being. There is growing awareness of the importance of early stages of growth and development, and how crucial it is to detect developmental issues early to provide timely support. However, persisting challenges such as limited understanding of factors that influence these abnormalities during and after pregnancy, makes early identification of high-risk groups difficult. Research suggests that mother`s metabolic complications or inflammation levels during pregnancy can impact the baby`s development by triggering stress and immune responses throughout the body. Conversely, a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and a good diet, can help manage mothers weight gain, prevent baby`s obesity, and improve overall health, which can positively affect the baby`s development. This study aims to examine if factors such as physical activity, well-being, diet, sleep, and parenting practices during pregnancy and infancy are connected to the baby`s development. This study begins with women attending their regular first-trimester screening appointment. Women who agree to take part in the study will be regularly monitored throughout their pregnancy until delivery. The study will assess several factors such as family background, mothers metabolic and inflammatory markers, lifestyle, well-being, psychosocial health and sleep quality. After childbirth, we will continue to track the lifestyle and behaviors of parents and use non-invasive methods such as assessment of infants natural movements, thinking, language, physical skills, how they interact with others as well as muscular properties. Through this, we aim to understand how the baby`s motor and cognitive abilities develop during the first twelve months of life and are influenced by maternal metabolism, parents` lifestyle, and environmental factors. We will also explore how fetal movements in utero and neonatal movements after birth are connected; and how certain movement patterns could provide early indications of developmental disorders, as well as whether pregnancy exposures play a significant role in this process. This study would help us improve our understanding of important influencing factors during critical periods of child development (during pregnancy up to one year after birth) and could contribute to timely risk assessment and targeted interventions even during pregnancy.