Preterm birth study

[Deleted User]

Just thought I would get this out there...There is a study being done by Cincinnati's Children's hospital that is working to understand more about what causes premature birth. Specifically, they are looking at genetic factors that may come into play. They need participants and so I thought I would throw it out here as it may apply to some of us, especially if there is a history of premature birth in your or your child's father's family.

It is really simple, just take the survey and if you are a fit for the study they will call and ask a few questions. If you are still a good candidate, they will send a package to your home, so you do not have to be in the Cincinnati area.

Here is a link for more information as well as the initial survey:

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/divisions/c/preterm-birth/fetal-study/default/

LaciJaxx

I will check it out. Thanks!

brachysira

I did it.  I apparently passed because they said they'd call.  Hope I know enough.  All I have is a vague statement from MIL that DH was a month early.  I have always wondered if his genetics played a role.  My family does not have early babies.  Although my family doesn't usually have babies quite so late in life and they usually aren't so sick when pregnant...so maybe it was something about me...

Xath

I filled out the survey but don't have enough history to qualify. Thank you for posting. I'm looking forward to following the study.

nblondheim

I filled it out but also don't qualify. Thank you

Pankers

I filled it out twice but it says I wasn't eligible, even though the reasons it states were opposite to what I added. Maybe it is because my LO was a few days off a month early. I was early too, but had no issues... I'd be interested to know if it is genetic, or if I run the risk of an early birth next time.

LaciJaxx

Yep, also not eligible. Interesting! I guess they're only interested in people who have close relatives that were also preemies with the health issues they stated. I dunno. Whatever. I'm always a little skeptical of these research statistics when they only include a small group of people.

direy25

I'm not eligible either - I was 8 weeks early but my son's premature birth was due to an infection so I guess that counters the other factors out?

LaciJaxx

@direy25 I love your picture!! So cute!

LaciJaxx

I went back and changed it to having relatives that were premature and they accepted it. My sister was early and a cousin was really early but I'm not convinced that really has anything to do with me having a preemie. But, I guess they can research it and hopefully find answers.

direy25

Thank you so much @LaciJaxx‌!

KatFCo

Thanks for sharing the link! I just filled it out and it said someone will contact me in a few weeks. DH was born early due to placenta previa, so I'm not sure if that will qualify us--DD was born due to spontaneous PTL.

brachysira

Yikes!  We missed the call and are getting a call on Friday.  It seems scary to just send your genetic material out.  I wonder if DH will do it...  He is kind of weird about things like this.  I hope they give you your personal results.

LaciJaxx

I also posted the link on a couple preemie facebook pages. I'm not sure how many people they're looking for but I would think more is better. Thanks again for posting. Still waiting on the phone call.

bennyandthejets13

I submitted and they told me they wanted to call me. It's interesting for me because my sister, me and DH were all preemies. I doubt ours was genetic though because at the time our moms were under a lot of stress with abusive alcoholic spouses so that could of been a contributing factor. I asked my OB at the time if genetics and he said it was probably just a coincidence.

carrotcake06

Thanks for sharing! I got not eligible.

H is a preemie, though (35weeker). My water broke spontaneously with no other complicating factors in both pregnancies - my singleton at 37w1d and the twins at 34w. Twins must have an impact on whether you're eligible, I guess.

Wally3

I filled it out.  THey asked for my info.  My DS1 was born at 34w, and DS2 tried to come early.  My mom had babies at 24w and 36w. My grandmother and aunt also had premies.  I have believed that there is a connection.

LaciJaxx

I have a few preemies in my family (3) but ALOT more that are not. The ratio would be extremely low. My only sibling has two boys and they were both induced because they were overdue. I'm interested to talk to them and for their findings. Knowledge is power.

brachysira

We're in.  I don't have a ton of preemie relatives, but DH was.  To be in, I think you have to have at least one relative that was a month or more without known reasons for prematurity, including multiples as a reason for exclusion.  Your LO has to meet the same criteria.  No known infections, maternal health problems or other reasons for early birth.  You send off some DNA from you, DH, and LO, and fill out some info.  Sounds painless.  Hope we don't have a preemie gene tho--interesting, but not so good for the grandchildren, should we ever have any.

[Deleted User]

I am glad that so many people are participating! I think one of the things that really still bothers me is lack of answers. One of the questions that bothered me most was (and still is) some version of "why did he come early?" or, as I hear it, "what did you do to 'cause this to happen?" I am really interested in the findings of this study. I am torn though, I would like an "answer" but I also hope this is not soemthing that my son will have to worry about for his children.