About ECHO Boston 

Who We Are

• A research study enrolling pregnant people who receive their prenatal care through Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Bowdoin Street Health Center

• We are recruiting pregnant participants who are less than 20 weeks pregnant. We welcome participants who speak English and Spanish

• This is a longitudinal study that will last for at least 7 years, and hopefully beyond.

  • There are 2 study visits during pregnancy, 2 per year for the first 2 years of life, and 1 per year thereafter.

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Our Study Goal

• The goal of ECHO is to better understand how neighborhood and individual characteristics influence pregnancy outcomes and child health. We will follow mothers, children, and families from early pregnancy onwards.

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Your Participation

• Study participation will involve research visits at our Boston-based research sites, along with answering questions by phone or online. We will collect biological samples, such as blood and urine. 

• We will also provide the option to conduct our visits fully remotely, making it accessible for participants who may not be able to come into our sites for their visit.

 

Our Research

• The data we collect in ECHO Boston with be combined with data from the other ECHO sites across the US. The NIH, as well as other investigators, will then have access to this data, utilizing it to conduct research on inequities in pregnancy and child health, including preterm birth, childhood growth, and risk factors for heart disease.

• We will study how access to safe and healthy food can improve health, especially for underserved communities.

• Our research aims to improve healthcare and promote health equity for all.