NCT03481829 · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Early Tracking of Childhood Health Determinants (ETCHED) Study
What this study is about
Background: Children s weight has increased sharply in recent years. This may put them at higher risk for health problems. High blood glucose in a pregnant mother and too much weight gain during pregnancy also may have long-term effects on the child s health. Children who become overweight or obese during childhood tend to remain so as adults.
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Background: Children s weight has increased sharply in recent years. This may put them at higher risk for health problems. High blood glucose in a pregnant mother and too much weight gain during pregnancy also may have long-term effects on the child s health. Children who become overweight or obese during childhood tend to remain so as adults. Researchers want to study many risk factors during and after pregnancy, and how these affect a child s development. They will also follow the mother s health and well-being after pregnancy. Objectives: To learn how a pregnant mother s environment, lifestyle, and health conditions may affect her child s growth and development from birth until adulthood. Eligibility: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) or Hispanic adult pregnant women and their offspring. Design: Mothers will have 3 visits during pregnancy. In the child s first year, mothers will have 2 visits and their child will have 4. Children will have 2 visits in their second year and 1 each year until they turn 18. Mothers will have a visit 2 years after birth and 4-5 years later. Both the mother and child s medical records will be reviewed. They will have physical exams and give blood and stool samples. Mothers may give cord blood and placenta samples. They will give breastmilk and urine samples. They will fill out questionnaires. They will have an ultrasound. They may get an activity monitor. Mother and child will be followed until the child s 18th birthday.
Primary outcome measures
Infant BMI
Time frame: Birth, 6 weeks, and 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months
Birth weight, length, and age/sex adjusted BMI percentile and z-score up to 24-months of age (time points: 6-12 weeks, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Pregnant women aged 18 years or older (pregnancy confirmed by urine or serum pregnancy test, or ultrasound examination)
- American Indian or Hispanic by self-report
- Agree to continue with research study participation (both mother and their offspring), for at least 3 years after delivery. In case where a pregnant mother is carrying multiple fetuses (multiple pregnancy), she will be eligible to participate in this study and all her live newborns, as a result of that pregnancy, will be eligible for participation in this study. Mothers will also be eligible to participate with any consecutive pregnancies.
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Women who are incarcerated or are unable to consent.
- Women whose fetus is not viable or are not planning to continue the pregnancy.
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations