A: To give more Singaporeans a chance at a healthier start to the life – so we may grow up in Singapore towards healthier outcomes.

A: We aim  to see how diet, lifestyle and genes relate to our babies’ growth and development and to increase our understanding of the makeup of the body, the environment in pregnancy and childhood and how these affect the health of the child.

A: We are research staff for this cohort study, which is governed, monitored and sponsored by the Singapore government.  We are based at KK Women's and Children's Hospital and the National University Hospital.

A: Doctors, Professors, and Researchers from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), National University Hospital (NUH), National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS) are joint collaborators.

A: Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) is an important nation-wide medical research study that gathers data from you and your baby, starting from pregnancy until your baby is three years old. This study will help shed light on the early causes, prevention and management of imetabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes in Singapore.

A: Participation is currently from pregnancy until your child is three years old. However, you can withdraw any time, and you and your child will still receive standard level of care and treatment.

A: All sample collection procedures are done by trained personnel and will not be painful to you or your baby. All tests are non-invasive, except blood collection from you.

A: All data are kept strictly private and confidential and private.  Your name and  and your baby’s name will not appear in any report.

A: When you visit KKH or NUH for your first pregnancy appointment, we will ask you if you would like to participate. If you agree, we will do the following:

• Clinic visit
  

  We will interview you and take simple body measurements. We will also take a photo of the retina (back of the eye). There will be one time collection of five strands of hair from you, and blood from you and your husband.

• Delivery
  

  We will collect samples of the umbilical cord, cord blood and placenta (afterbirth), and a small sample of saliva. We will also check your newborn baby’s height, weight and body fat.

• Home visit
  

  We will visit you at your house at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 24 months, 30 months and 36 months after the birth of your baby. Our staff will visit you at a date and time convenient to you.

  At each visit we will check your baby’s body measurements, and collect saliva samples from your baby’s mouth. We will also collect your baby’s stool sample at day 3-5, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months.

  During some visits we will ask about you and your baby’s health, diet, lifestyle and behavior. We will also collect samples of your breast milk if you are breastfeeding.

A: It is very well indicated in our GUSTO introduction page. (click here)

A: The risks are minimal and we have taken care to detail them in our GUSTO introduction page. (click here)

A: In this whole study, you will have $480 cash incentive if you allow all the measurements to be done, including the stool collection, MRI examination etc. In addition, you the 4 ultrasound scans (dating scan, Fetal Anomaly scan, Growth scan and Doppler) and MRI examinations are free of charge. There is also no charge for all home visits made by our staff.

A: Absolutely not.  Your participation is wholly voluntary and you will not incur any cost in the normal course of the study.

A: Yes, you can call 6516 4079 from 8:30am to 6:00pm from Monday to Friday.

A: Our study focuses on the inter-ethnic differences in epigenetic factors, body composition, developmental and growth patterns in Chinese, Malay, and Indians as Chinese, Malay and Indian represent the three major ethnic groups in Asia and previous studies have shown clear ethnic differences in metabolic risk profiles.

A: Certainly.  As we need just s small amount of cord blood, approximately 10ml (less than a tablespoon), you are free to use the remaining cord blood as you wish.

A: We are happy to say that we have endorsement from MUIS (Majilis Ugama Islam Singapura) and you can take part in our study with a clear mind and heart.  Please allow our ground staff to show you our letter of endorsement from MUIS.

A: No, there are several options you may choose from.  Our staff will be happy to explain these to you.

A: Yes, you can change your mind at any time.  This will not impact the care that you and your baby receive.  You will continue to enjoy the standard level of medical care and attention.

A: Yes, you can withdraw at any time, just inform our staff please.

A: We have dating scan at 11-12 weeks, fetal anomaly scan at 19-21 weeks, and growth scan at 26-28 weeks and growth + Doppler scan at 32-34 weeks.

A: You can go to see GP or your gynecologist first and call our research staff during office hours to report this incident.

A: No, there is no risk for this afterbirth donation.

A: You can call our research staff at KKH & NUH during office hours. You will have their contact number after you join the study.

A: A total of 9 home visits will take place during the first 3 years of your baby’s life.  In the first year, there will be 5 visits and thereafter will be 4 visits till your baby reaches 3 years of age.

A: The visits will take place after delivery at 3rd week, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 month, and in the 2nd and 3rd year.  There will be a revisit to the clinic or hospital at certain time point for special laboratory based tests.  This is optional, and only for those who are interested to take part in it.

A: Each home visit is about 45-60 minutes in duration, and is dependent on interactions with the mother and child.  Some babies may cry after a nap, need to be soothed by their mother, hence induce some waiting time in between the mother answering our study questions.

A: There will be 3 parts in each visit namely, the questionnaires, the physical assessment of the baby (height, weight, body circumference and body fat composition) and the collection of samples (Buccal swab and saliva).  At the end of each visit, the study team member will provide some compensation to the mother for the time spent with us.

A: We hope you look forward to meeting our charming home visit team members.  Relax and feed your baby half an hour before the visit, so that he or she will be satiated and comfortable during our visit.

A: You can reschedule your appointment by calling us at 6772 4260. Before each visit, our GUSTO staff will give you a call to arrange a date and time that is convenient to you.  

A: Our research team comprises of staff who can speak different languages (Malay, Tamil, Mandarin and various dialects).  When we call you to make your appointment, it normally becomes clear during the conversation which is the right home visit team member to pay you a visit. 

A: We are mothers too, and  understand the great increase in responsibility with a new baby.  We will do our best to find a suitable appointment date for you.  We will only come back to you when you are ready.

A: Skinfold measurement is not an invasive procedure. It is a common method to determine the percentage of the body fat or body composition.

A: In general, it is safe as there is no ionizing radiation for babies throughout the scan. However, specific risks to the newborn include noise generated (similar to a jack hammer) during the scan. Earplugs will be provided to minimize the effects on your newborn. Similar studies have been done on children with no side effects demonstrated.  

A: If your newborn baby has any metallic implants or metallic surgical materials such as a cardiac pacemaker or metallic implants (hip replacement, heart valve etc) shrapnel, or other metal, , his/her participation in this study will be discouraged. 

A: The total time spent in the scanner is about 20-25 minutes. If there is movement by the baby – which might lead to unsatisfactory images, then some parts of the test may need to be repeated. However every effort will be made to reduce the amount of time spent within the scanner and when the baby is sleeping.

A: No, there is no medication or injections given to your baby.

A: We have made a video to describe what your baby will go through during this MRI scan, and also a doctor explaining how it is safe for humans and babies.  Please approach our ground staff to view this MRI video.

A: We have a neonatologist  on standby and they will attend to your baby immediately if it is unwell during the MRI scan.