A
birth cohort study is a form of study that uses expectant mothers and newborn
as research subjects. This form of research is suitable for epidemiological
studies, which pregnancy and birth cohort studies generally are. Data is
collected in order to identify health consequences and overall health outcomes.
The main aim of this paper is to review and summarize all cohort studies that
have been carried out or are still being conducted in Europe, as well as
general information such as aim of the study, number of participants and
duration of follow-up. Gathering information was made easier by websites such
as Birthcohorts, CHICOS and LifeCycle, where many of the cohorts and their
sources are listed. The remaining data was found by searching Google Scholar,
PubMed and similar webpages, using keywords ‘birth and pregnancy cohorts’, ‘infants’,
‘pregnancies’, ‘allergies’ and ‘childhood obesity’. Overall, 137 cohorts in 27
countries were found. They are a great and important source of information and
for the most part, concentrate on general health and wellbeing of mothers and
children. Collaboration between different birth cohorts is crucial for further
harmonization of collected data and their use in the public health systems
worldwide