APrON Study
@apronstudy.bsky.social
APrON is a cohort study located at UCalgary and UAlberta. It is designed to analyze the relationship between maternal nutrient status during pregnancy and maternal mental health and child health and development.
Understanding how early adversity shapes child development reminds us why preventing violence and supporting safe, nurturing families is crucial. During the 16 Days of Activism, we encourage you to learn, listen, and take action to end violence.
#16DaysofActivism
#16DaysofActivism
November 27, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Understanding how early adversity shapes child development reminds us why preventing violence and supporting safe, nurturing families is crucial. During the 16 Days of Activism, we encourage you to learn, listen, and take action to end violence.
#16DaysofActivism
#16DaysofActivism
November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This fight is not theirs alone - it is all of ours. Together, we can prevent violence against women.
This fight is not theirs alone - it is all of ours. Together, we can prevent violence against women.
November 26, 2025 at 12:44 AM
November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This fight is not theirs alone - it is all of ours. Together, we can prevent violence against women.
This fight is not theirs alone - it is all of ours. Together, we can prevent violence against women.
⭐ Today is National Child Day in Canada—a reminder of our commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of every child. 🇨🇦
Let’s continue advocating for safe communities, accessible education, mental-health supports, and equitable opportunities for all young people.
Let’s continue advocating for safe communities, accessible education, mental-health supports, and equitable opportunities for all young people.
November 21, 2025 at 12:20 AM
⭐ Today is National Child Day in Canada—a reminder of our commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of every child. 🇨🇦
Let’s continue advocating for safe communities, accessible education, mental-health supports, and equitable opportunities for all young people.
Let’s continue advocating for safe communities, accessible education, mental-health supports, and equitable opportunities for all young people.
#WorldMentalHealthDay reminds us that everyone deserves care & support.
💬 Talk openly
❤️ Check in on others
🧘 Take mindful breaks
💬 Talk openly
❤️ Check in on others
🧘 Take mindful breaks
October 11, 2025 at 1:47 AM
#WorldMentalHealthDay reminds us that everyone deserves care & support.
💬 Talk openly
❤️ Check in on others
🧘 Take mindful breaks
💬 Talk openly
❤️ Check in on others
🧘 Take mindful breaks
October is Women's History Month in Canada - a time to reflect, honour, and celebrate the courage and contributions of women who have shaped history - and to recognize the ongoing efforts for equity, safety, and justice.
October 9, 2025 at 9:51 PM
October is Women's History Month in Canada - a time to reflect, honour, and celebrate the courage and contributions of women who have shaped history - and to recognize the ongoing efforts for equity, safety, and justice.
Back to school is exciting for many but not all. For some, particularly sexually and gender diverse youth, it can mean facing bullying, harassment, & violence.
💬 PREVNet offers free resources for educators, parents, caregivers, youth & service providers.
Access training & info at 👉 prevnet.ca
💬 PREVNet offers free resources for educators, parents, caregivers, youth & service providers.
Access training & info at 👉 prevnet.ca
September 29, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Back to school is exciting for many but not all. For some, particularly sexually and gender diverse youth, it can mean facing bullying, harassment, & violence.
💬 PREVNet offers free resources for educators, parents, caregivers, youth & service providers.
Access training & info at 👉 prevnet.ca
💬 PREVNet offers free resources for educators, parents, caregivers, youth & service providers.
Access training & info at 👉 prevnet.ca
How do changes in cheek cell composition affect DNA testing in children?
One study used APrON data to look at how age affects cheek swab cell composition, and how this may impact tools used to measure development.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
One study used APrON data to look at how age affects cheek swab cell composition, and how this may impact tools used to measure development.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
September 17, 2025 at 11:20 PM
How do changes in cheek cell composition affect DNA testing in children?
One study used APrON data to look at how age affects cheek swab cell composition, and how this may impact tools used to measure development.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
One study used APrON data to look at how age affects cheek swab cell composition, and how this may impact tools used to measure development.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
It's consent awareness week! Do you know the 4 Cs of consent?
Consent must be Clear, Continuous, Coercion-free and Conscious.
When we understand consent, we don’t just prevent harm - we help dismantle the silence, shame, and stigma that survivors of sexual violence often face.
Consent must be Clear, Continuous, Coercion-free and Conscious.
When we understand consent, we don’t just prevent harm - we help dismantle the silence, shame, and stigma that survivors of sexual violence often face.
September 16, 2025 at 11:13 PM
It's consent awareness week! Do you know the 4 Cs of consent?
Consent must be Clear, Continuous, Coercion-free and Conscious.
When we understand consent, we don’t just prevent harm - we help dismantle the silence, shame, and stigma that survivors of sexual violence often face.
Consent must be Clear, Continuous, Coercion-free and Conscious.
When we understand consent, we don’t just prevent harm - we help dismantle the silence, shame, and stigma that survivors of sexual violence often face.
APrON findings have shown that consuming eggs & milk during pregnancy increased mothers’ likelihood of meeting choline intake recommendations. These findings have contributed to the European Food Safety Authority dietary reference values.
Check out apronstudy.ca/policy-impac... for more!
Check out apronstudy.ca/policy-impac... for more!
September 2, 2025 at 11:52 PM
APrON findings have shown that consuming eggs & milk during pregnancy increased mothers’ likelihood of meeting choline intake recommendations. These findings have contributed to the European Food Safety Authority dietary reference values.
Check out apronstudy.ca/policy-impac... for more!
Check out apronstudy.ca/policy-impac... for more!
Today we hear from one of our APrON participants about their experience in the study. Since 2009, APrON has been following mother-baby pairs in Alberta. If you are an APrON parent or youth looking to reconnect with the study, visit our website: apronstudy.ca.
August 29, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Today we hear from one of our APrON participants about their experience in the study. Since 2009, APrON has been following mother-baby pairs in Alberta. If you are an APrON parent or youth looking to reconnect with the study, visit our website: apronstudy.ca.
📌📚 The school year is in full swing, and while it’s an exciting time of learning and growth, it can also bring stress and anxiety for children and youth. Recognizing the signs is key to supporting them.
August 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
📌📚 The school year is in full swing, and while it’s an exciting time of learning and growth, it can also bring stress and anxiety for children and youth. Recognizing the signs is key to supporting them.
Our 15-year follow-up is currently underway with the goal to understand how early life shapes mental health by age 15. We are currently offering incentives for our participants who complete the 15-year data collection. Want more information? Check out our website!
August 22, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Our 15-year follow-up is currently underway with the goal to understand how early life shapes mental health by age 15. We are currently offering incentives for our participants who complete the 15-year data collection. Want more information? Check out our website!
Have you had a chance to read the newest APrON paper? This study examined the associations between maternal exposure to certain chemicals (trace elements & PFAS), and alterations in the HPA axis during pregnancy.
Read the full paper:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Read the full paper:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
August 20, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Have you had a chance to read the newest APrON paper? This study examined the associations between maternal exposure to certain chemicals (trace elements & PFAS), and alterations in the HPA axis during pregnancy.
Read the full paper:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Read the full paper:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
We want your feedback! Our APrON participants are invited to complete our feedback survey to share about their experience in our study! Participants who complete this feedback survey may receive a $25 gift card.
Find it on our Get Involved page or the link below: apronstudy.ca/apron-partic...
Find it on our Get Involved page or the link below: apronstudy.ca/apron-partic...
August 12, 2025 at 1:07 AM
We want your feedback! Our APrON participants are invited to complete our feedback survey to share about their experience in our study! Participants who complete this feedback survey may receive a $25 gift card.
Find it on our Get Involved page or the link below: apronstudy.ca/apron-partic...
Find it on our Get Involved page or the link below: apronstudy.ca/apron-partic...
GIVEAWAY TIME! We will be giving away another iPad!
1. Follow our page (1 entry)
2. Like this photo (1 entry)
3. Tag a friend in the comments! (each additional comment counts as an extra entry)
4. Follow us on our other platforms
This giveaway will close on September 6, 2025!
1. Follow our page (1 entry)
2. Like this photo (1 entry)
3. Tag a friend in the comments! (each additional comment counts as an extra entry)
4. Follow us on our other platforms
This giveaway will close on September 6, 2025!
August 5, 2025 at 10:59 PM
GIVEAWAY TIME! We will be giving away another iPad!
1. Follow our page (1 entry)
2. Like this photo (1 entry)
3. Tag a friend in the comments! (each additional comment counts as an extra entry)
4. Follow us on our other platforms
This giveaway will close on September 6, 2025!
1. Follow our page (1 entry)
2. Like this photo (1 entry)
3. Tag a friend in the comments! (each additional comment counts as an extra entry)
4. Follow us on our other platforms
This giveaway will close on September 6, 2025!
Dr. Nicole Letourneau was featured on the Now You Know with Rob Snow show! She discussed parenting in the summer including balancing supervision and independence and the importance of unstructured play.
Tune at the 8 minute mark to hear Nicole’s interview:
vancouver.citynews.ca/podcasts/now...
Tune at the 8 minute mark to hear Nicole’s interview:
vancouver.citynews.ca/podcasts/now...
July 31, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Dr. Nicole Letourneau was featured on the Now You Know with Rob Snow show! She discussed parenting in the summer including balancing supervision and independence and the importance of unstructured play.
Tune at the 8 minute mark to hear Nicole’s interview:
vancouver.citynews.ca/podcasts/now...
Tune at the 8 minute mark to hear Nicole’s interview:
vancouver.citynews.ca/podcasts/now...
APrON research has shown that higher iron levels reduce depression symptoms in pregnancy and has influenced Ontario’s updated guidelines to improve detection. However, nationwide updates are needed to better address this issue and its long-term effects.
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
July 23, 2025 at 10:47 PM
APrON research has shown that higher iron levels reduce depression symptoms in pregnancy and has influenced Ontario’s updated guidelines to improve detection. However, nationwide updates are needed to better address this issue and its long-term effects.
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
Perinatal depression is a critical issue in Canada. APrON’s PI, Dr. Letourneau, has helped to contribute to guidelines for mental health during pregnancy & postpartum. Through this, APrON has shaped national & international guidelines for mental health.
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
July 15, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Perinatal depression is a critical issue in Canada. APrON’s PI, Dr. Letourneau, has helped to contribute to guidelines for mental health during pregnancy & postpartum. Through this, APrON has shaped national & international guidelines for mental health.
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
Read more: apronstudy.ca/policy-impacts
Our giveaway is now closed! We will be contacting the winner soon so keep a look out in your DMs. Keep checking out our account for more giveaways throughout the summer!
June 14, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Our giveaway is now closed! We will be contacting the winner soon so keep a look out in your DMs. Keep checking out our account for more giveaways throughout the summer!
Today is #ActionAnxietyDay, a national day of awareness that invites us to take action, speak up, and support those living with anxiety disorders. It’s about reducing stigma, educating others, and building systems of care that make healing possible.
June 10, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Today is #ActionAnxietyDay, a national day of awareness that invites us to take action, speak up, and support those living with anxiety disorders. It’s about reducing stigma, educating others, and building systems of care that make healing possible.
🎉 Our APrON participant webpage is now live, designed just for our APrON moms and youth, making it easier to stay connected with the study and get involved. Looking to get more involved? You can find all the details — including available incentives — on the new webpage.
apronstudy.ca/reconnect/
apronstudy.ca/reconnect/
June 9, 2025 at 11:31 PM
🎉 Our APrON participant webpage is now live, designed just for our APrON moms and youth, making it easier to stay connected with the study and get involved. Looking to get more involved? You can find all the details — including available incentives — on the new webpage.
apronstudy.ca/reconnect/
apronstudy.ca/reconnect/
🌈 June is #PrideMonth! Pride Season is an opportunity to learn more about the history and resilience of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. This month, and every day, we celebrate inclusivity, love, and acceptance for everyone.
June 6, 2025 at 11:56 PM
🌈 June is #PrideMonth! Pride Season is an opportunity to learn more about the history and resilience of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. This month, and every day, we celebrate inclusivity, love, and acceptance for everyone.
This month is #SexualViolencePreventionMonth, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, & advocate for change. Misinformation fuels stigma and silence—by addressing these myths, we can help create a culture that believes survivors, holds perpetrators accountable, & works toward a safer future.
May 30, 2025 at 11:57 PM
This month is #SexualViolencePreventionMonth, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, & advocate for change. Misinformation fuels stigma and silence—by addressing these myths, we can help create a culture that believes survivors, holds perpetrators accountable, & works toward a safer future.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma. Misinformation fuels stigma and silence so today we are busting common myths and sharing facts about mental health.
May 26, 2025 at 11:57 PM
May is Mental Health Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma. Misinformation fuels stigma and silence so today we are busting common myths and sharing facts about mental health.
Sometimes, people hide how they’re really feeling by “masking” their emotions by putting on a brave face. This can make it harder to get the help and support they need. Talking openly about mental health can help break the stigma.
cmha.ca/mental-healt...
cmha.ca/mental-healt...
May 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Sometimes, people hide how they’re really feeling by “masking” their emotions by putting on a brave face. This can make it harder to get the help and support they need. Talking openly about mental health can help break the stigma.
cmha.ca/mental-healt...
cmha.ca/mental-healt...