Open AccessThe Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort study: rationale and methods
Author(s) -
Kaplan Bonnie J.,
Giesbrecht Gerald F.,
Leung Brenda M.Y.,
Field Catherine J.,
Dewey Deborah,
Bell Rhonda C.,
Manca Donna P.,
O'Beirne Maeve,
Johnston David W.,
Pop Victor J.,
Singhal Nalini,
Gag Lisa,
Bernier Francois P.,
Eliasziw Misha,
McCargar Linda J.,
Kooistra Libbe,
Farmer Anna,
Cantell Marja,
Goonewardene Laki,
Casey Linda M.,
Letourneau Nicole,
Martin Jonathan W.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
maternal and child nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1740-8709
pISSN - 1740-8695
DOI - 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2012.00433.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , anthropometry , offspring , prospective cohort study , cohort study , cohort , obstetrics , mood , environmental health , pediatrics , psychiatry , genetics , surgery , pathology , biology
The Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study is an ongoing prospective cohort study that recruits pregnant women early in pregnancy and, as of 2012, is following up their infants to 3 years of age. It has currently enrolled approximately 5000 Canadians (2000 pregnant women, their offspring and many of their partners). The primary aims of the APrON study were to determine the relationships between maternal nutrient intake and status, before, during and after gestation, and (1) maternal mood; (2) birth and obstetric outcomes; and (3) infant neurodevelopment. We have collected comprehensive maternal nutrition, anthropometric, biological and mental health data at multiple points in the pregnancy and the post‐partum period, as well as obstetrical, birth, health and neurodevelopmental outcomes of these pregnancies. The study continues to follow the infants through to 36 months of age. The current report describes the study design and methods, and findings of some pilot work. The APrON study is a significant resource with opportunities for collaboration.