Has anyone heard of this study? We are one of the pilot programs; Duplin County, NC and New York. The program began in January 2009 and is suppose to run for 21 years following pregnant women and their children. It is going to hopefully shine some light on some preventative measures we can use to comabt some common chronic illness. I am not sure of the time frame, but once all is said and done there will be over 200 sites around the US. Do you think that this is a good way to spend our tax money?

My understanding is that they are following the mom during her pregnancy. She will continue to go to her regular OB/GYN, but will be in frequent contact with someone from the study who will do regular environmental studies, drawing blood, etc. Once the baby is born, their concentration then falls to the child, same aspect though. Child will be seen at their regular peds doc, but will have frequent contact with study personnel. I think it is suppose to try and link certain enviromental, nutritional, or access/lack of access to OB care during pregnancy to chronic diseases like heart dz, HTN, autism, asthma, etc.

We actually have no idea which parts of Duplin County they are picking from. It's all hush-hush so the results hopefully won't be tainted. It is suppose to include all socioeconomic levels and all races.