Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS (BD-STEPS) II

CDC has previously implemented population based case control studies of birth defects known as the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) for births from 1997-2011 and the Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS (BD-STEPS I) which started with births in 2014 and is ongoing. The purpose of BD-STEPS II is to identify causes of birth defects and stillbirths using epidemiologic and genetic research methods and provide information that could be translated into public health prevention messages. The activities under this NOFO will be supported by two separate but related funding components: Component A. BD-STEPS II Core. To support the continuation of the epidemiological and genetic research capability of the Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (CBDRP) through BD-STEPS. The intent of this BD-STEPS II is to carry out BD-STEPS using the same basic study design currently used by grantees with a focus on the key areas of: (1) maternal chronic disease and their treatments; (2) infectious disease in pregnancy; and (3) medications. In BD-STEPS II we will add focus on infectious causes of birth defects, and pilots will be conducted to determine feasibility of medication use validation. Both new sites and current BD-STEPS sites are encouraged to apply for this component. Component B. BD-STEPS stillbirth. To support the continued exploration of modifiable risk factors for stillbirths. The intent of this component is to conduct the BD-STEPS II Core interview and a follow-up interview with mothers affected by stillbirths and mothers of livebirths to conduct a case-control study of stillbirth risk factors. To be funded for Component B, applicants must have a responsive application for Component A and receive Component A funding. Both new sites and current BD-STEPS sites are encouraged to apply for this component.