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In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Prenatal Effects Independent of Genetics

Leveraging IVF to Identify Prenatal Effects Independent of Shared Maternal-Child Genes

Who can join

Ages 18 to 50 · Women · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals at 18-28 gestational weeks with donor and homologous IVF pregnancies, ages 18-50.
2. Participants must be patients receiving their perinatal health care through Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Department of OB/GYN and delivering at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital.
3. Participants must be patients delivering at Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Department of OB/GYN and delivering at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital.
4. Participants will include the offspring of patients receiving care and delivering at the above institutions.
5. Enrollment Location(s): Columbia University Irving Medical Center's Department of OB/GYN, delivering at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Identified addiction disorder
2. Severe psychiatric condition (defined as symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning and are untreated or not effectively managed)
3. Multiple fetal pregnancy
4. Known chromosomal, genetic, or major fetal malformations (unlikely due to routine preimplantation genetic testing)
5. Inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis
6. Not planning to deliver at a CUIMC-affiliated hospital

About the study

This study examines how maternal stress during pregnancy affects infant brain and behavioral development, focusing on whether these effects are due to the prenatal environment or shared genes. By comparing IVF pregnancies using donor eggs/embryos (no shared genetics) with non-donor IVF pregnancies, the investigators aim to understand how stress influences the baby's development independent of genetic factors.

Participants will complete questionnaires, provide blood samples, and take part in placenta and cord blood collection, fetal monitoring, and newborn brain activity assessments.

Aim 1: The influence of maternal distress on perinatal neurobehavioral development.

Hypotheses: Independent of IVF group status, higher maternal AL will be associated with higher 3rd trimester FHR reactivity, lower FHR variability, AND lower FHR-movement coupling

Aim 2: Maternal distress affecting placenta gene methylation.

Hypotheses: Independent of IVF group status, maternal AL will be associated with placenta differential DNA methylation in glucocorticoid-regulating genes (FKBP5 and HSD11B2),

Aim 3: Maternal experiences associated with unique placenta transcriptomic profiles.

Hypotheses: Independent of IVF group status, maternal AL and well-being each will be associated with unique placenta gene expression in pro-inflammatory genes

What is being tested

• Prenatal maternal psychosocial and biological assessment protocol (other)

Sponsor: Columbia University · Participants: 360 · Started: May 8, 2026

Contact the study team

• Catherine Monk, PhD · Phone: 917-543-6031
• Khadija Jones, MPH · Phone: 917-817-1490

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07296107

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 1, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.