Phase 1 – the start of the ABCD study – concerned pregnancy. Between January 2003 and March 2004, all pregnant women in Amsterdam (12,373) were approached to participate. This was done during the first prenatal screening at the obstetrician, gynaecologist or GP. The women were asked to complete a questionnaire and to donate extra blood for research.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire contained a wide range of questions: on socio-demographic background (age, education, marital status, country of birth, etc.), lifestyle (such as smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise), nutrition (folic acid and fatty fish consumption) and on psychosocial conditions (such as work stress, depressive and tension symptoms, fatigue). A total of 8,266 women completed the pregnancy questionnaire.
Blood test
A number of nutrition-related substances that may play a role in child growth and development were examined in the blood. No fewer than 4,350 women donated blood at this stage.
More phases
Background information ABCD study
More about the ABCD study
Now in the ABCD study