About the study

Both parents’ environments and lifestyle behaviors may influence the development and health of their child. However, most previous studies have focused only on the mother. We aim to explore this under-researched area through the initiation of the cohort study Parental Origins of Health and Disease (the POHaD-study), with particular attention to the father's role as well.

We are recruiting couples early in the pregnancy and asking them to complete measurements at two points during the pregnancy, along with a simpler home-based measurement after birth. From both parents, we collect blood, urine and fecal samples, and from the father, we also collect sperm samples. Saliva samples are collected from both parents and the child. Questionnaires regarding lifestyle behaviors and environmental factors are also completed.

The POHaD-study is designed as an exposome study. Chemical exposures will be analyzed using comprehensive, cutting-edge mass spectrometry methods, enabling broad and detailed characterization of the chemical exposome. Furthermore, we will explore potential mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance, investigating how parental exposures may influence offspring through epigenetic modifications.