Introduction to the Shanghai Birth Cohort

摘要

With rapid economic development in China, environmental pollution has become a major concern in many parts of the country. Government statistics indicate that the incidence of birth defects has been increasing in recent years. Meanwhile, thanks to the "one child family policy", child health is often the central focus of the whole family. These joint concerns have driven children's environmental health to the forefront among various social issues. The Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) is currently in a pilot phase, aiming to recruit 3,000 women who come to maternity and child hospitals in Shanghai for preconceptional care or first prenatal care in the first trimester of gestation. Women will be followed up to 15 months before pregnancy with bimonthly telephone interviews. During pregnancy at each trimester, a follow-up visit will be scheduled. A wide range of information from socioeconomic status to psychological and nutritional factors will be collected. Blood and urine samples will be collected at each visit. In addition to hospital visits, 30% of the women will have a home visit for collection of detailed environmental and nutritional information, and home environmental sampling. At birth, cord blood and placental tissue samples will be collected. The children will be followed at 42 days postpartum, and 6,12 and 24 months. Diet, habit and disease information will be recorded and growth will be measured. A child neurobehavioral assessment will be made. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of genetic, environmental and behavioral factors on female reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, child growth and development, and risks of childhood diseases. Findings from this study will provide essential support for evidence-based public health policymaking to improve environment, maternal and child health.