Understanding Society collects information across a wide range of topics before and after childbirth, coupled with data on the entire family, that provides contextual insights into child development. Children are themselves Understanding Society participants from birth, with parents providing information on their child’s health and development until the age of 10. When they turn 10 years old, children complete their own survey.
The new Pregnancy and Early Childhood (PEACH) file has been created to facilitate the easy tracking of various aspects of child development. PEACH is designed to be linked to the main Understanding Society datasets (EUL, Special Licence and Secure Access), so that the child’s development can be related to their broader family circumstances.
Download the PEACH file from the UK Data Service.
What information does Understanding Society collect on pregnancy and early childhood?
The Study collects a wide range of information on different aspects of child development. The PEACH file includes variables on:
- pregnancy outcomes
- fertility treatment
- smoking and drinking during pregnancy
- birth weight
- baby behaviour, including sleeping, feeding, fussing and crying
- young child development, including learning to talk, becoming independent, developing relationships with others
- strengths and difficulties
- using technology, such as TV and games consoles
- parenting style
For full information about all the variables included, go to the PEACH User Guide.
Family and households
