The Society, Pregnancy, Postpartum & Infant Neurodevelopment (SPPIN) study in Edmonton is exploring how a pregnant person's social and living conditions can influence the tiny organisms in their gut, and how this might affect their mental health and their infant's brain development.
This research is really important because it help us to figure out how our lifestyle, the way we connect with people, and even the tiny organisms living in our guts can affect mental health during and after pregnancy, as well as child’s mental development.
GOAL
If the SPPIN study discovers that the tiny organisms in our gut have something to do with a mom's mental health and her kid's brain growth, we might be able to use them to help families stay healthier, even when they're dealing with hard times.
METHODOLOGY
People who join the study will be asked to fill out some questions about where they live, their daily life, and their mental health. They will also need to give stool samples for themselves and their babies so we can study the tiny organisms in their digestive system. Finally, trained experts, including a psychologist with advanced education, will check on the children’s growth and learning.
SETTING
The SPPIN study is going to sign up 600 pregnant folks in Edmonton, Alberta, who are between 18 and 49 years and in their second trimester. We'll keep up with them and their little ones until the child turns three. We want to include expectant people from all walks of life!