REACH

Are you currently pregnant? Join us in helping moms and babies for years to come!

You may be able to help us better understand on how the everyday environment plays a role in healthy pregnancy, asthma, allergies and other diseases.

Research Enterprise to Advance Children’s Health (REACH) is looking for 3000 pregnant women who want to join our study! REACH will look at the relationships between Mom's environment, lifestyle and diet with the risk of preterm birth and her child’s risk of asthma and allergy through the first years of life.

Taking part in this study means helping future generations. 

Contact Us, Learn More

What are we studying?

Preterm birth: Detroit, Michigan has one of the highest preterm birth rates in the United States. However, the reasons for this and the ways we could prevent babies being born too early are unclear. We need research in our neighborhoods so we can find out what may cause this higher rate of preterm birth. Our researchers are interested in learning if the environment we live in – and the chemicals and other things we are exposed to – may be part of the reason preterm birth rates in our area have been increasing.

Asthma and Allergies: Many kids in the U.S. have asthma or allergies. This can continue into adulthood and create lifelong lung problems. Even with a lot of research being done, asthma and allergy cases have been increasing in recent years. To find out what causes these issues, some researchers are looking at the bacteria in our bodies. During and after pregnancy, the mom’s normal bacteria may affect the baby’s immune system, health, and risk for diseases. The scientists at Henry Ford Health are trying to understand how this happens and what can be done to prevent asthma and allergy.

How long will the study last? 

To study preterm birth, allergies and asthma, as well as overall health in pregnancy and in early childhood, we ask you to be a part of the study until your child is about 2 years old. However many of our moms choose to continue their child's participation up to adulthood. Most of the study can be done virtually, at times that work best for YOUR schedule.

Who can be take part in this study?  

• You are pregnant
• You are 18 years or older
• You plan to deliver at any Henry Ford Hospital
• You receive prenatal care at a Henry Ford Health Clinic
• You speak English 

How do I join or get more information about REACH?

Our research team is excited to give you more information or help you sign up for the study. Please contact our team if you have any questions. 

Email: REACH@hfhs.org
Phone: (313) 874-3151