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EPOCH StudyEnvironment, Perinatal Outcomes, & Child Health
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What is the EPOCH Study?
The EPOCH Study is also known as the Environment, Perinatal Outcomes, and Child Health Study. This study collects detailed data and biologic samples. It will help researchers to understand whether exposure to toxic environmental conditions are potential risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes related to preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine fetal growth restriction among high-risk pregnant women. We hope that this research will help improve outcomes for moms and babies in North Carolina and beyond!
Why am I being asked to participate?
You are being asked to be in the study because you are at a high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes or have developed adverse pregnancy complications. We are also asking some women who have not developed adverse pregnancy complications by 37 weeks gestation or greater to participate.
What will I have to do?
We will discuss the study with you in detail. If you agree to participate, you will review an online consent form and HIPAA form in detail.
Once you agree to participate and sign the consent form and the HIPAA form, we will ask you additional questions about your medical history, pregnancy history, and exposure to environmental toxins. We will also collect a sample of your blood, urine, and vaginal swabs. We will obtain samples from the placenta/ umbilical cord, and cord blood after delivery (this tissue is normally discarded).
You will also be asked to provide a sample of your home water and may be asked to wear a silicone wristband to objectively collect data on environmental contaminants. After water samples have been analyzed, we will contact you with results.
After delivery, all babies have routine newborn screening typically performed by a heel prick. The blood from the prick is collected on a “Guthrie Card” and we plan for all babies delivered to mothers in this study to have one extra Guthrie card collected at this time for research purposes. Your baby will NOT be stuck additional times for this study.
We will collect your blood when you are having routine clinical blood work as ordered by your doctor. There are no study-only visits to the hospital or clinic.
Are there any risks?
Study-related risks are low. There is a small chance of bruising, bleeding, or discomfort when we draw your blood, but there are no extra blood draws only for the study. Collecting the placenta and umbilical cord and cord blood occurs after delivery. The placenta is normally discarded after delivery. Every effort is made to protect your confidentiality.
Will it cost me anything to be in the study?
There are no costs to participate.
Will I be paid to participate?
You will receive a tote bag, study water bottle, newborn hat, and one-hour parking pass if seen at UNC outpatient clinics. If you agree to the extra Guthrie card for your newborn, you will also receive a $5 Starbucks gift card.
If we find that your water sample is abnormal, you will receive a free water filter by mail.
The EPOCH Study is also known as the Environment, Perinatal Outcomes, and Child Health Study. This study collects detailed data and biologic samples. It will help researchers to understand whether exposure to toxic environmental conditions are potential risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes related to preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine fetal growth restriction among high-risk pregnant women. We hope that this research will help improve outcomes for moms and babies in North Carolina and beyond!
Why am I being asked to participate?
You are being asked to be in the study because you are at a high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes or have developed adverse pregnancy complications. We are also asking some women who have not developed adverse pregnancy complications by 37 weeks gestation or greater to participate.
What will I have to do?
We will discuss the study with you in detail. If you agree to participate, you will review an online consent form and HIPAA form in detail.
Once you agree to participate and sign the consent form and the HIPAA form, we will ask you additional questions about your medical history, pregnancy history, and exposure to environmental toxins. We will also collect a sample of your blood, urine, and vaginal swabs. We will obtain samples from the placenta/ umbilical cord, and cord blood after delivery (this tissue is normally discarded).
You will also be asked to provide a sample of your home water and may be asked to wear a silicone wristband to objectively collect data on environmental contaminants. After water samples have been analyzed, we will contact you with results.
After delivery, all babies have routine newborn screening typically performed by a heel prick. The blood from the prick is collected on a “Guthrie Card” and we plan for all babies delivered to mothers in this study to have one extra Guthrie card collected at this time for research purposes. Your baby will NOT be stuck additional times for this study.
We will collect your blood when you are having routine clinical blood work as ordered by your doctor. There are no study-only visits to the hospital or clinic.
Are there any risks?
Study-related risks are low. There is a small chance of bruising, bleeding, or discomfort when we draw your blood, but there are no extra blood draws only for the study. Collecting the placenta and umbilical cord and cord blood occurs after delivery. The placenta is normally discarded after delivery. Every effort is made to protect your confidentiality.
Will it cost me anything to be in the study?
There are no costs to participate.
Will I be paid to participate?
You will receive a tote bag, study water bottle, newborn hat, and one-hour parking pass if seen at UNC outpatient clinics. If you agree to the extra Guthrie card for your newborn, you will also receive a $5 Starbucks gift card.
If we find that your water sample is abnormal, you will receive a free water filter by mail.
