Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to young children to combat conditions such as ear infections and pneumonia. But the drugs may disrupt the digestive microbiome at a significant time in a child’s development.

According to previous research, early and repeated digestive microbiome disruption from antibiotic exposure could contribute to diverse, potentially harmful or disruptive conditions as a child ages. A Rutgers Health study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases explored this further by examining antibiotic exposure data from more than 1 million babies from the United Kingdom and analyzing diagnoses of chronic pediatric conditions through age 12.

It makes sense that a viral infection during a pregnancy might negatively affect the fetus — but scientists now know that some effects of an adverse event during pregnancy may not be revealed for decades. On a more empowering note, scientists have found that low stress in pregnancy, consistent parenting in a child’s early years and quality preschool experiences reduce the risk of heart disease and mental illness in adulthood.

Those particular insights on how early life impacts future health, and many more, were made possible because of the New England Family Study, a one-of-a-kind research project launched in 1959 and continuing today.