Transnational preconception cohort studies: a review / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Preconception cohort studies allow us to conduct in-depth investigations on exposures and heath related factors of couples before pregnancy, and to explore the impact on reproductive health of the couples and on short- and long-term health of the offspring. As a critical window into early life, this area has been gradually gaining much attention worldwide. This paper summarized the characteristics of 21 transnational preconception cohort studies with large samples size, to provide information for relevant researchers in China. Emphasis on international cooperation, application of highly efficient data systems or research tools, and long-term longitudinal survey on parents and their offspring are the direction of further preconception cohort researches.