Maternal Offspring Microbiome (MOM) Study

We all have microbial communities in and on our bodies that are extremely important for health and development. From previous research, we know that these microbes are picked up very early in life and that they help babies digest food and develop healthy immune systems. We also know that an abnormal microbiome can be associated with increased risk for conditions like asthma, allergies, infections, and obesity. 

The MOM study is a longitudinal, observational study that follows participating families for approximately one year to identify the origins of infants’ microbiomes and microbial transmission dynamics among household members and the environment. The central hypothesis of this study is that the term infant bacterial microbiome and virome are acquired from post-natal environmental exposures and persist throughout infancy. 

The MOM study will enroll 100 women who are pregnant with their first child as well as up to one other future caregiver from each family. The study team will complete home visits around the 36^th week of pregnancy, during the first three weeks of the infant’s life, and when the infant is 6 and 12 months of age. Compensation will be provided for time and effort.