My current research interests relate to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease paradigm  nvolving the complex pathophysiology of cardiovascular and placental related adverse first trimester outcomes and the consequences for fetal and maternal health as well as disease in later life. This work is largely embedded in the Generation R study, a population-based prospective cohort study among 10,000 pregnant women and their children and the Rotterdam Predict Study, an ongoing hospital based periconception cohort study, including embryonic and placental growth trajectories (3D-US and virtual reality) and tissue-specific epigenetic studies. I am one of the PIs of both cohorts. New knowledge from translational research in these areas is being disseminated and translated in evidence-based local and national transmural preconception and early pregnancy programs for improved risk selection and general and personalized interventions with a special emphasis on high risk and socially deprived reproductive target groups, in close collaboration with related fields like Public Health. My mission is to contribute to the primary and secondary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes and disease in later life in current and next generations.

The recent 5 publications and position paper below provide examples of this ambition;

1. Jaddoe, V.W., de Jonge, L.L., Hofman, A., Franco, O.H., Steegers, E.A. & Gaillard, R. (2014) First trimester fetal growth restriction and cardiovascular risk factors in school age children: population based cohort study. British Medical Journal, 348:doi:10.1136
2. Temel, S., van Voorst, S.F., Jack, B.W., Denktas, S., Steegers, E.A. (2014) Evidence-based preconceptional lifestyle interventions. Epidemiologic Reviews, 36:19-30.
3. Steegers-Theunissen, R.P.M., Steegers, E.A.P. (2015) Embryonic health: new insights, mHealth and personalized Patient care. Reproduction Fertility and Development. 16. doi: 10.1071/RD14386.
4. The Public health Importance of Antenatal Care (EBCOG Position paper No 3). (2015) Facts Views Vis Obgyn. 7:5-6.
5. Steegers, E.A.P., Geluk, A. (2012) Gezond Zwanger Worden (Achieving Healthy Pregnancy).  Atlas Contact, Amsterdam- Antwerpen; Garant. Antwerpen-Apeldoorn; (2015). Books for the general public.
6. http://www.erasmusmc-verloskunde.nl/