Research Projects
IRCID participates in national studies that have the potential to positively impact the lives of Iowans and allow for a better understanding of birth defects.
Birth Defects Study to Evaluate Pregnancy ExposureS (BD-STEPS)
The Iowa Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (CBDRP) is currently participating in BD-STEPS to investigate risk factors for over 20 major birth defects. Mothers with a pregnancy affected by a major defect and those with a pregnancy without a major birth defect were interviewed about their health, diet, and lifestyle during pregnancy.
National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS)
The Iowa Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention participated in the NBDPS. NBDPS investigated risk factors for over 30 major defects. IRCID identified children with NBDPS-eligible birth defects and secured permission from mothers to share information with researchers. Mothers with a pregnancy affected by a major birth defect and those with a pregnancy without a major birth defect were interviewed about their health, diet, and lifestyle during pregnancy.