The Generation R Study is a prospective cohort study from fetal life until young adulthood in a multi-ethnic urban population. The study is designed to identify early environmental and genetic causes of normal and abnormal growth, development and health from fetal life until young adulthood. Eventually, results forthcoming from the Generation R Study have to contribute to the development of strategies for optimizing health and healthcare for pregnant women and children.

Areas of research
The study focuses on four primary areas of research:
1 growth and physical development
2 behavioral and cognitive development
3 diseases in childhood
4 health and healthcare 

Study cohort
The children form a prenatally recruited birthcohort that will be followed until young adulthood. In total, 9778 mothers with a delivery date from April 2002 until January 2006 were enrolled in the study. Of all eligible children at birth, 61% participate in the study. A large part of this study cohort consists of ethnic minorities.

Datacollection
Datacollection in the prenatal phase included physical examinations, questionnaires, fetal ultrasound examinations and biological samples. In addition, more detailed assessments are conducted in a subgroup of 1232 pregnant women and their children. At the age of 5 years, all children will be invited to visit the Generation R research centre for detailed assessments.

Questionnaires
Prenatal
The health of you and your child
Feelings and memories mother to be
Health, lifestyle, background and feelings - partner
Living conditions mother to be

Postnatal
Two months child
Two months mother
Six months child
Six months mother
12 months
18 months
24 months
24 months development
36 months
36 months - partner
48 months