RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Brain Imaging in Babies Study

The Brain Imaging in Babies Study (BIBS) aims to understand how a baby's brain grows and develops from pregnancy until they are about 3-4 years old. Researchers work with families from different backgrounds across England. They use special, safe MRI scans, which don't use X-rays, to get clear pictures of the brain. They also watch how children behave and learn. The main goal is to figure out what typical brain development looks like and to spot early signs that might suggest a child could develop conditions like autism or ADHD. Finding these signs early could help offer support sooner if needed. The study also explores how having COVID-19 during pregnancy might affect mothers and babies. They are especially interested in welcoming mothers who had COVID-19 while pregnant.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

790

Start

05 Apr 2013

Estimated completion

01 May 2028

Autism Spectrum Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Neurodevelopmental Conditions COVID-19

What is this study about?

The 'Brain Imaging in Babies Study' (BIBS) is trying to understand how a baby's brain develops, growing from before birth until they are about three or four years old. Researchers believe that if we can learn more about this early development, it might help us understand conditions that affect how children learn and behave.

In this study, researchers use special scans called MRI scans to look at babies' brains. MRI scans are very safe and don't use X-rays; they use strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures. Alongside these scans, they also look at children's behaviour and how they interact with the world. By doing this, they hope to get a full picture of brain development and learn if there are any early signs or 'clues' that might tell us if a child is likely to develop conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) later on. If we can spot these early clues, it might mean children could get helpful support sooner.

More recently, the study has also started looking at how COVID-19 might affect pregnant mothers and their babies. They are interested in understanding how the virus might impact brain development. For this part of the study, they are particularly keen for mothers who had COVID-19 during their pregnancy to take part. This special focus could help us learn lots about how these infections affect babies' health and development.

Key takeaways

It's about understanding how babies' brains grow from pregnancy to age 3-4.
Researchers use safe MRI scans and observe children's behaviour.
The study hopes to find early signs for conditions like autism and ADHD.
It also looks at how COVID-19 might affect mothers and babies.
You'd be helping advance our understanding of child development.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for pregnant mothers and their babies to take part. They are interested in welcoming mothers who have had COVID-19 during pregnancy, as well as those who have not.

They also welcome babies, whether or not their immediate family has a history of conditions like autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions. If you live in England, UK, you might be able to join.

There will be a further screening process to check if you and your baby are suitable for the study, so not everyone who applies will be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently pregnant?
Do you live in England, UK?
Are you considering taking part with your baby?
Are you between 16 and 75 years old?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study involves a combination of safe MRI scans for your baby and observing their behaviour as they grow. You'll have regular appointments over several years, from before your baby is born until they are about 3-4 years old. These appointments will involve visits to the study centre. You won't be given any medication as part of this study. The researchers will explain exactly what each visit involves and how long it will take, so you know what to expect at every step.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is helping researchers better understand how babies' brains develop, which could lead to earlier support for children in the future. You'd be contributing to valuable medical knowledge. The main risk involves the time commitment, as you and your baby will attend several appointments. MRI scans are generally very safe and don't involve radiation, but young children may find them a little noisy. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of the BIBS study?

The study aims to understand how babies' brains develop from before birth until they are about 3-4 years old, and to see if they can identify early signs for conditions like autism or ADHD.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan is a safe way to create detailed pictures of the brain using strong magnets and radio waves, without using X-rays.

Does my child have to have a family history of autism to join?

No, the study welcomes babies both with and without an immediate family history of autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Do I need to have had COVID-19 to take part?

No, the study is interested in mothers who have and haven't had COVID-19 during pregnancy. However, they are particularly welcoming mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 while pregnant.

Where does the study take place?

You need to be based in England, UK, to be eligible for this study.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.