The impact of E-cigarettes during pregnancy on Childhood Health Outcomes (ECHO) study is an observational study being carried out across the three Dublin maternity hospitals, examining the health impact on babies born to women who use e-cigarettes during pregnancy. Throughout the study, we aim to collect a wide range of information on pregnant mothers and their babies. For this study, we are looking to recruit women who vape during pregnancy. For comparison, we are also seeking pregnant women who smoke and don’t smoke.

E-cigarettes are a popular smoking cessation method in Ireland and their popularity has rapidly increased over the past ten years. The Irish National Drug Library reports that 14.9% of the population aged 15 years and older had used e-cigarettes at least once in their lifetime and 4.3% (166,902) of the population had used e-cigarettes in the last month.

While e-cigarettes have been posed as a healthier alternative to cigarettes, the reality of their long-term health effects is not well understood. Due to the rapidly increasing presence and use of vapes and e-cigarettes in young people, research into these developmental outcomes in children has become necessary.

The ECHO study aims to investigate the long-term health outcomes in children born to mothers who use e-cigarettes during pregnancy.

 

Study Update

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Study Update -

Over the past year, hundreds of expectant mothers in Dublin have participated in the ECHO study, a pioneering research project exploring the impact of prenatal e-cigarette exposure on childhood health outcomes. Researchers at The Coombe, The Rotunda, and the National Maternity Hospital have worked tirelessly to recruit participants and investigate key indicators of newborn development, such as size, weight, and reflexes.

As the ECHO babies approach their first birthdays, we are transitioning into the next phase of our study. At 12 months, our team will check in to track growth and gather further insights. We recently shared a newsletter and hosted a webinar to discuss our progress so far - both of which can be accessed on this page.

We are excited to continue our exploration of how e-cigarette exposure might affect child development and look forward to sharing more updates with you as we move forward!

 

What is Involved?

Learn more about every stage of the study, from your prenatal visit to your baby’s 2nd birthday!

Prenatal Visits

  • Your doctor will explain what the ECHO study is and will provide you with additional information about taking part

  • If you consent to taking part in the study, the doctor will ask you some questions about your smoking or vaping habits

  • You will be asked to provide a urine sample and complete a carbon monoxide level, and a growth scan - find more details on prenatal visits here

Postnatal Visits - 6 & 12 Months

  • When your baby is born, a trained researcher will perform the Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale - information on the NBAS can be found here - and the PEAPOD - information can be found at the link

  • At 6 months, a researcher will check in with you via phone to see how you and your baby are getting on

  • At 12 months, you will be invited to CHI Crumlin to complete growth checks and answer some questionnaires about you and your baby.

  • If you would like a more in-depth assessment of your baby’s development, you can opt-in to the Bayley Study - which will be carried out at the same time as your 12 month visit!

Final Visit - 24 Months

  • At your final visit, we will invite you and your baby to complete the final questionnaires to measure growth and behaviour development