Foetal development, pregnancy and ‘in utero’ studies

Advice on health categories

If the subject of a study is the foetus or the new born it should be coded as Reproductive Health and Childbirth and also the condition being investigated, if relevant.

If the investigation involves examining the effects of exposure to agents in utero or more generally during pregnancy on children or adults, code the research to the condition under investigation and not to Reproduction.

e.g. potential increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults as a result of maternal malnutrition should be coded 100% Cardiovascular.

Advice on research activities

Pregnancy is considered normal function and coded within the 1 Underpinning code group but investigation of factors impacting on pregnancy should be coded elsewhere.