Normal Development of the Human Fetus and the Influences and Mechanisms by Which That Development Occurs and is Perturbed

In-utero exposure to drugs and chemicals through maternal smoking, alcohol use, drug abuse, prescription medicines and occupational/lifestyle exposures is widespread. Such exposures can alter fetal development and programming, leading to the effects becoming "locked in" from birth and causing long-term adverse consequences for the individual. These include costly and widespread conditions such as obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and infertility. The weight of evidence linking these conditions to fetal recreational drug or environmental chemical exposures, including cigarettes, alcohol, air pollution, food contact materials, is overwhelming. What is lacking is an understanding of how fetal drug exposure translates to adult ill-health and this is due, largely, to an inability to study the problem directly in affected human fetuses. The investigators, and others, have shown that human fetal development, which lays the foundations of adult health and function (fetal programming), is quite different from the rodent and frequently exhibits surprising aspects. It has become evident that the close interconnectivity of the developing fetal organs and also the placenta, means that a much more holistic approach to research aiming to understand human fetal development and the challenges posed to programming for a health adulthood is critical. To that end the investigators have established a carefully considered gestational age range (7-20 weeks of gestation) of fetuses we can study together with multiple fetal organs and body fluids collected and maternal information recorded.

The overarching objective of the study is to intensively and systematically study the human fetus during a normal pregnancy and pregnancies where aspects of maternal lifestyle and environment will challenge the fetus. The investigators aim to provide fundamental information to better understand the mechanisms involved and to detect and treat or ameliorate adverse effects during pregnancy (such as maternal smoking/drinking, deprivation, exposure to pollution). In the long term findings from this research will be important for future studies aimed at enabling better health in later life.