Dietary Intakes of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study

Purpose

Nutrient intake for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is important to ensure satisfactory birth outcomes. This study aims to explore the dietary profiles of patients with GDM, compare the results with the Chinese dietary guidelines or Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from China and investigate the relationship between maternal dietary intake and pregnancy outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A total of 221 patients with GDM in the second trimester were included in the cohort. Dietary intake data were collected using a 24-hour recall method for three consecutive days. The pregnancy outcomes of these participants were subsequently monitored. Both univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between dietary intake variables or general characteristics variables and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results

Participants with adverse pregnancy outcomes showed a lower intake of iodine and vitamin D, a lower percentage of dietary energy intake from carbohydrates and a higher percentage of dietary energy intake from fats, compared to participants without adverse pregnancy outcomes. The gestational weight gain and family history of diabetes were associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, regular exercise, the intake of iodine and Vitamin D, and the percentage of dietary energy intake from carbohydrates were associated with a decreased risk.

Conclusion

The daily diet of pregnant women with GDM in China did not meet the dietary guidelines or DRIs. The low intake of Vitamin D and iodine, the low dietary carbohydrate ratio, family history of diabetes, lack of exercise, and high gestational weight gain were associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with GDM.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a 12-month automated text message intervention for weight management in postpartum women with overweight or obesity: protocol for the Supporting MumS (SMS) multisite, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The reproductive years can increase women's weight-related risk. Evidence for effective postpartum weight management interventions is lacking and engaging women during this life stage is challenging. Following a promising pilot evaluation of the Supporting MumS intervention, we assess if theory-based and bidirectional text messages to support diet and physical activity behaviour change for weight loss and weight loss maintenance, are effective and cost-effective for weight change in postpartum women with overweight or obesity, compared with an active control arm receiving text messages on child health and development.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Two-arm, parallel-group, assessor-blind randomised controlled trial with cost-effectiveness and process evaluations. Women (n=888) with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 and within 24 months of giving birth were recruited via community and National Health Service pathways through five UK sites targeting areas of ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. Women were 1:1 randomised to the intervention or active control groups, each receiving automated text messages for 12 months. Data are collected at 0, 6, 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome is weight change at 12 months from baseline, compared between groups. Secondary outcomes include weight change (24 months) and waist circumference (cm), proportional weight gain (>5 kg), BMI (kg/m2), dietary intake, physical activity, infant feeding and mental health (6, 12 and 24 months, respectively). Economic evaluation examines health service usage and personal expenditure, health-related quality of life and capability well-being to assess cost-effectiveness over the trial and modelled lifetime. Cost-utility analysis examines cost per quality-adjusted life-years gained over 24 months. Mixed-method process evaluation explores participants' experiences and contextual factors impacting outcomes and implementation. Stakeholder interviews examine scale-up and implementation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained before data collection (West of Scotland Research Ethics Service Research Ethics Committee (REC) 4 22/WS/0003). Results will be published via a range of outputs and audiences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN16299220.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Stillbirth among Pregnant Women with Obesity

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity and risk of stillbirth among pregnant women with obesity in the United States, with a focus on racial and ethnic disparities.

STUDY DESIGN

 We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of birth and fetal data from the 2014 to 2019 National Vital Statistics System (N = 14,938,384 total births) to examine associations between maternal body mass index (BMI) and risk of stillbirth. Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used to compute adjusted hazard ratios (HR) as a measure of risk of stillbirth in relation to maternal BMI.

RESULTS

 The stillbirth rate was 6.70 per 1,000 births among women with prepregnancy obesity, while the stillbirth rate among women with a normal (nonobese) prepregnancy BMI was 3.85 per 1,000 births. The risk of stillbirth was greater among women with obesity compared with women without obesity (HR: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-1.41). Compared with non-Hispanic (NH) Whites, women identifying as NH-other (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.61-1.72) and NH-Black (HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.26-1.35) were at higher risk of stillbirth, while Hispanic women had a decreased likelihood of stillbirth (HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.37-0.40).

CONCLUSION

 Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for stillbirth. Public health awareness campaigns and strategies targeting weight management in women of reproductive age and racial/ethnic populations at highest risk for stillbirth, are needed.

KEY POINTS

· Stillbirth rates differ by race and ethnicity.. · Risk of stillbirth was greatest among women with obesity.. · Stillbirth rates rise with ascending prepregnancy BMI..

Association between maternal cigarette smoking cessation and risk of preterm birth in Western New York

BACKGROUND

Although many studies suggested the benefit of smoking cessation among pregnant women in reducing the risk of preterm birth (PTB), the timing of the effect of the cessation remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of trimester-specific smoking cessation behaviours with PTB risk.

METHODS

We included 199,453 live births in Western New York between 2004 and 2018. Based on self-reported cigarette smoking during preconception and in each trimester, we created six mutually exclusive groups: non-smokers, quitters in each trimester, those who smoked throughout pregnancy, and inconsistent smokers. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression to examine the association between smoking cessation and PTB. Effect modification by illegal drug use, maternal age, race and ethnicity and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was investigated multiplicatively by ratio of relative risk and additively by relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).

RESULTS

Overall, 6.7% of women had a PTB; 14.1% smoked throughout pregnancy and 3.4%, 1.8% and 0.8% reported quitting smoking during the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. Compared to non-smokers, third-trimester cessation (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01, 1.43) and smoking throughout pregnancy (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.21, 1.33) were associated with a higher PTB risk, while quitting smoking during the first or second trimester, or inconsistent smoking was not associated with PTB. A positive additive interaction was identified for maternal age and late smoking cessation or smoking throughout pregnancy on PTB risk (RERI 0.17, 95% CI 0.00, 0.36), and a negative interaction was observed for pre-pregnancy BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (ratio of relative risk 0.70, 95% CI 0.63, 0.78; RERI -0.42, 95% CI -0.56, -0.30).

CONCLUSION

Compared to non-smokers, smoking throughout pregnancy and third-trimester smoking cessation are associated with an increased risk of PTB, while quitting before the third trimester may not increase PTB risk.

Perinatal Morbidity in Healthy Obese Pregnant Individuals Delivered by Elective Repeat Cesarean at Term

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to compare the risks of adverse perinatal outcomes by body mass index (BMI) categories in healthy pregnant individuals delivered by term elective repeat cesarean (ERCD) to describe an optimal timing of delivery in otherwise healthy patients at the highest-risk BMI threshold.

STUDY DESIGN

 A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of pregnant individuals undergoing ERCD at 19 centers in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network from 1999 to 2002. Nonanomalous singletons undergoing prelabor ERCD at term were included. The primary outcome was composite neonatal morbidity; secondary outcomes included composite maternal morbidity and individual components of the composites. Patients were stratified by BMI classes and to identify a BMI threshold for which morbidity was the highest. Outcomes were then examined by completed week's gestation, between BMI classes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

 A total of 12,755 patients were included in analysis. Patient's with BMI ≥ 40 had the highest rates of newborn sepsis, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and wound complications. While a weight-related response was observed between BMI class and neonatal composite morbidity (p < 0.001), only those with BMI ≥ 40 had significantly higher odds of composite neonatal morbidity (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). In analyses of patients with BMI ≥ 40 (n = 1,848), there was no difference in the incidence of composite neonatal or maternal morbidity across weeks' gestation at delivery; however, as gestational age approached 39 to 40 weeks, rates of adverse neonatal outcomes decreased, only to increase again at 41 weeks' gestation. Of note, the odds of the primary neonatal composite were the highest at 38 weeks compared with 39 weeks (aOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.0).

CONCLUSION

 Neonatal morbidity is significantly higher in pregnant individuals with BMI ≥40 delivering by ERCD. Despite this increased perinatal morbidity, delivery prior to 39 and after 41 weeks in these patients is associated with increased neonatal risks.

KEY POINTS

· Obese patients without additional comorbidities have higher rates of neonatal morbidity.. · Patients with BMI ≥ 40 carry the highest odds of poor perinatal outcomes.. · Earlier timing of delivery does not appear to reduce this risk..

Association of periodontal disease with gestational diabetes mellitus among postpartum women at a private tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Due to the overlapping aetiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Periodontal disease (PD), which are prevalent metabolic disorder and chronic inflammatory disorder in pregnant women respectively, they are often at risk of developing both diseases simultaneously. This study aims to evaluate the association of periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus among post-partum women who delivered within 24 h at private tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Analytical cross sectional study with sample size of 178 by non- probability purposive sampling, a total of 101 postpartum women (57%) were diagnosed with periodontal disease and 50 (28%) were GDM positive. Of those who had PD, 35% (n = 35/101) were GDM positive. An insignificant association of the prevalence ratio of GDM in women with periodontal disease was found. [PR = 1.7; 95% CI: 0.2-3.2; p-value 0.07] A statistically significant association was found between the prevalence ratio of GDM in women with obesity. It was 2.6 times compared to women who were not obese (p value < 0.01, 95% CI: 1.3-5.1). There is insignificant association found between the prevalence ratio of GDM in women with periodontal disease in our setting. Women who are overweight or tend to gain weight should be closely monitored and guided to take dietary measures.

Mothers' experiences of a lifestyle intervention for weight reduction 12 months after gestational diabetes mellitus: Qualitative findings from the PAIGE2 study

The standardised pooled prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) globally is approximately 14 %, a reflection of increasing rates of obesity in women of childbearing age. Lifestyle interventions to reduce GDM and subsequent type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been deemed a research priority but are challenging to perform and have variable success rates. The PAIGE2 study was a pragmatic lifestyle randomised controlled trial for women with GDM and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, which began during pregnancy and continued for one year postnatally. The primary outcome was weight loss 12 months postnatally compared with mothers receiving standard maternity care. Qualitative results are presented from end of study focus groups conducted amongst intervention mothers to gather feedback and determine acceptability of the PAIGE2 intervention. In total, 19 mothers participated in five virtual focus groups. Content analysis explored general study experience, longer term changes to lifestyle and suggested improvements of intervention components including monthly phone calls, motivational text messages, Fitbit experience, Slimming World, and study contact timings. Overall, most mothers found the individual PAIGE2 intervention components enjoyable, although opinions differed as to which were the most effective. Several mothers claimed the intervention helped them make long-term changes to their behaviours. A common suggested improvement was the establishment of a local group where mothers could share their experiences. In conclusion, most mothers deemed the intervention acceptable, and felt that with minor enhancements, it could be utilised as an effective tool to support weight loss after pregnancy and reduce future risk of obesity and T2D.

Assisted vaginal delivery in the obese patient

Appropriate use of ventouse or obstetric forceps as options in the management of the second-stage of labor is good medical practice. The instruments are not inherently dangerous, however, the manner in which they are used may be. In addition to a working knowledge of the instruments, the operator must have the willingness to abandon an unsuccessful procedure. Awareness that failure of assisted vaginal delivery is more likely in women with BMI >30, hence, gives pause to consider trial in theatre with early recourse to cesarean delivery if unsuccessful Awareness that obesity is associated with increased risk of intrapartum complications, such as the need for second-stage assistance to achieve delivery, shoulder dystocia and postnatal complications, such as obstetric anal sphincter injury and febrile morbidity.

The impact of abnormal maternal body mass index during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes: a registry-based study from Qatar

OBJECTIVES

Abnormal body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy, a growing public health concern, increases maternal and neonatal complications. This study aimed to investigate the impact of abnormal BMI on perinatal outcomes compared to normal BMI.

METHODS

A total of 14,624 women having singleton births were categorized as underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), obesity class I (30.0-34.9 kg/m2), obesity class II (35.0-39.9 kg/m2), and obesity class III (≥40.0 kg/m2) and compared to those with normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2). Outcomes included gestational diabetes (GDM), gestational hypertension (GHT), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), cesarean delivery (CD), preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), congenital anomalies and neonatal intensive care unit admission.

RESULTS

Women with increasing BMI had increasingly higher odds of developing specific adverse outcomes, the highest being in the class III obesity group (GDM-aOR 2.71, 95 % CI 2.25-3.27, p<0.001, GHT-aOR 5.32 95 % CI 3.49-8.11, p<0.001, CD-aOR 2.33 95 % CI 1.85-2.94, p<0.001, PPH-aOR 1.77 95 % CI 1.35-2.33, p<0.001). On the other hand, being underweight during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of PTB (aOR 2.09, 95 % CI 1.37-3.20, p=0.001), LBW (OR 1.88, 95 % CI 1.27-2.79, p=0.002) and congenital anomalies (aOR 2.52 95 % CI 1.12-5.64, p=0.025). Majority in the underweight category gained less than expected gestational weight gain during the pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study have important implications for the clinical management of pregnant women with abnormal BMI. Interventions to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes must focus on enhancing pre-pregnancy BMI and maintaining adequate gestational weight gain.

Maternal Body Mass Index Trends and Weight Gain in Singleton Pregnancies at the Time of Fetal Anatomic Survey: Changes in the Last Decade and New Trends in the Modern Era

(1) Background: the worldwide impact of overweight and obesity is rising, increasingly resembling an epidemic (a price we have to pay for our new way of living). (2) Methods: our study aims to evaluate the temporal trends and patterns of singleton pregnant women's BMI (body mass index) in our region during a 12-year time frame between 2010 and 2021. (3) Results: We noticed a statistically significant difference between the BMIs of nulliparous and multiparous women and a significantly increased pregestational BMI in women with previous ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedures. Smoking pregnant women had a higher second trimester weight gain, regardless of parity. Women with folic acid supplementation alone had a higher BMI than those with folic acid and multivitamin intake. The weight of both nulliparous and multiparous women with chronic hypertension was statistically significantly higher in all three timeframes. Global weight gain did not reveal any statistically significant changes concerning women with pregestational diabetes, regardless of parity and the pregnancy trimester. (4) Conclusions: our article describes the trends in obesity and overweight in our middle-income country, in which this pathology is continuously growing, negatively influencing our reproductive-aged women and future generations.

Association between maternal factors and fetal macrosomia in full-term singleton births

BACKGROUND

Macrosomia, defined as a birth weight of ≥4000 g, is associated with a high risk of birth injury. Fetal growth is highly correlated with maternal conditions, and several maternal factors are associated with neonatal birth size. The current study aimed to assess maternal factors related to fetal macrosomia in a Taiwanese population.

METHODS

The medical records of pregnant mothers and their newborns were retrospectively reviewed. All singleton pregnancies delivered at and after 37 weeks of gestation were included in the analysis. Maternal and neonatal conditions were evaluated according to different birth weights.

RESULTS

A total of 4262 infants were enrolled in our study. The mean birth weight was 3156 ± 383 g, including 77 (1.8%) cases with birth weight ≥4000 g, and 154 (3.6%) infants with birth weight <2500 g. The mean maternal body weight before delivery was 67.6 ± 10.0 kg. The mean 6-month gestational weight gain (6mGWG) was 12.3 ± 4.2 kg, and the mean maternal body mass index (BMI) was 26.2 ± 3.6 kg/m 2 . The maternal weight, height, and 6mGWG, gestational age, and placental weight were significantly positively correlated with neonatal birth weight. The odds ratios of macrosomia were 3.1 in neonates born to mothers with a 6mGWG of ≥15 kg, 6.3 in those born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus, and 4.1 in those born to mothers with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m 2 . Newborn macrosomia was associated with adverse events in pregnant mothers and newborn infants.

CONCLUSION

Gestational diabetes mellitus, 6mGWG, and maternal BMI are significantly correlated with neonatal macrosomia in full-term singleton births. Further, neonatal macrosomia is an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity. Hence, pregnant women should undergo maternal counseling for weight management before and during pregnancy, and the appropriate delivery method should be identified to prevent perinatal adverse events.

Impact of female obesity and assisted reproduction on uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy births: a study of 428 336 births in Flanders

STUDY QUESTION

What is the impact of BMI on uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy births in women who did or did not have medically assisted reproduction (MAR, i.e. ART or hormonal stimulation without manipulation of eggs or embryos) in the Flanders region (Belgium)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Women with a higher BMI who use MAR are at the highest risk of pregnancy and birth complications.

WHAT WE KNOW ALREADY

Medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is used increasingly worldwide and is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Obesity is also increasing globally and obese women are more likely to seek MAR since obesity is associated with infertility. When obese women undergo MAR, the risk of adverse outcomes may be enhanced but it is not clear to what extent.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We conducted a registry-based study using the data from the Study Centre for Perinatal epidemiology database for years 2009-2015, region of Flanders, Belgium. This included 428 336 women.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The average age was 30.0 years (SD 4.78), 194 061 (45.31%) were nulliparous, and 6.3% (n = 26 971) conceived with MAR. We examined the association of BMI and MAR with the following composite primary outcomes: 'uncomplicated pregnancy and birth' and 'healthy baby'. We conducted Poisson regression and adjusted for maternal age, parity, gestational weight gain, smoking and previous caesarean section.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In our study, 36.80% (n = 157 623) of women had an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth according to the definition used. The predicted probability of having an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth for women with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 who conceived spontaneously was 0.33 (0.32 to 0.35), while it was 0.28 (0.24 to 0.32) for women who used hormonal stimulation and 0.26 (0.22 to 0.29) for women who used IVF/ICSI. This probability reduced with increasing BMI category for both MAR and non-MAR users. For women with a BMI of 30 kg/m2, the predicted probability of having an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth was 0.28 (0.26 to 0.30) for women who conceived spontaneously, and 0.22 (0.16 to 0.29) and 0.20 (0.14 to 0.26) for women who used hormonal stimulation only or IVF/ICSI, respectively. The predicted probability of having a healthy baby for women with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 who conceived spontaneously was 0.92 (0.91 to 0.93), 0.89 (0.87 to 0.92) for women who used hormonal stimulation only and 0.85 (0.84 to 0.87) for women who used IVF/ICSI.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The database did not include data on socio-economic status, pre-pregnancy morbidities and paternal BMI. Subsequently, we could not adjust for these factors in the analysis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Obese women who use MAR are at the highest risk of pregnancy and birth complications. This increase in interventions also has cost and resource implications which is relevant for funding policies. Weight loss interventions prior to MAR seem plausible but their (cost-) effectiveness needs urgent investigation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

F.W. received an Erasmus Plus training grant to visit A.B., L.A. and R.D. and conducted this study during this visit. The authors have no competing interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

A pragmatic lifestyle intervention for overweight and obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (PAIGE2): A parallel arm, multicenter randomized controlled trial study protocol

Background

The global epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity has been translated into pregnancy, with approximately 18% of women being diagnosed worldwide with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Whilst preventive strategies have proven effective in the non-pregnant context, attrition rates are high and there is an urgent need to develop a customized, pragmatic lifestyle intervention for women both during and after pregnancy. Diet and exercise modification, behavioral support, and Commercial Weight Management Organizations have been strongly recommended to aid postpartum weight reduction for mothers with previous GDM, subsequently reducing their risk of developing obesity and T2D. This study, informed by a previous pilot study, aims to determine the effectiveness of a pragmatic pregnancy and postpartum lifestyle modification program for overweight women with previous GDM (PAIGE2) to reduce body weight at 12 months postpartum.

Methods/design

This paper summarizes the protocol for the PAIGE2 study, which has been developed based on results from a pilot study (PAIGE). A six center, two parallel arm, 12-month, randomized controlled trial will be conducted across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (3 centers each), involving 340 women with GDM and body mass index ≥25 kg/m² recruited during pregnancy. The lifestyle intervention involves a one-hour virtual educational program (to take place at 32-36 weeks gestation). Postpartum, the intervention will include monthly phone calls, weekly motivational text messages, weekly step counts, and referral for three months to a Commercial Weight Management Organization (Slimming World). The control arm will receive usual care as offered by the local maternity hospital. The primary outcome is weight loss at 12 months postpartum. Study visits for anthropometric and clinical measurements, fasting blood samples, questionnaires pertaining to health, wellbeing and physical activity will take place at 6 weeks, 6- and 12-months postpartum. Focus groups will be conducted with intervention mothers' post-intervention to determine the acceptability of the study design including utility of a Commercial Weight Management Organization, feasibility of remote patient contact, family involvement and patient satisfaction.

Discussion

The PAIGE2 study will address the gaps in previously conducted research and, if positive, has the potential to have major public health implications for the prevention of future GDM and subsequent T2D.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04579016?term=NCT04579016&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT04579016.

Carbohydrate quantity is more closely associated with glycaemic control than weight in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes: Insights from the Diabetes and Pre-eclampsia Intervention Trial (DAPIT)

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to explore the relationships between carbohydrate intake, body mass index (BMI) and glycaemic control (HbA1c) in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) METHODS: Secondary analysis of data was undertaken to assess dietary intake in a cohort of women who participated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of antioxidant supplementation to prevent preeclampsia (DAPIT¹⁰ ). Study-specific peripheral venous blood samples were obtained for HbA1c at 26 and 34 weeks. Diet was collected using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire at 26-28 weeks of gestation which assessed dietary intake over 2 weeks. Mean daily average nutrient intakes were analysed using Q Builder nutritional software and SPSS, version 25.

RESULTS

Dietary data were available for 547 pregnant women (72% of cohort) aged 29 years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 28.9-29.9) with average diabetes duration 11.8 years (95% confidence interval = 11.1-12.6). Average body mass index (BMI) (<16 weeks of gestation) was 26.7 kg/m² (95% CI = 26.3 -27, range 18.8-45.6 kg/m² ); 43% (n = 234) were overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9 kg/m² ) and 20% (n = 112) were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² ). Differences in HbA1c and carbohydrate quantity and quality were found when adjusted for age and insulin dose. No differences between BMI group were observed for total carbohydrate and glycaemic control; however, differences were noted in fibre and glycaemic index.

CONCLUSIONS

Average quantity of dietary carbohydrate influenced HbA1c when adjusted for insulin dose however, BMI had less impact. More research is required on the relationship between carbohydrate consumption and glycaemic control in pregnancy.

Changing Trends of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes With Maternal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index: A Join-Point Analysis

Objective

Adverse pregnancy outcomes have been related to obesity and thinness; however, the changing trends of the specific outcome with pre-pregnancy BMI remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in risk trends of specific adverse outcomes for different pre-pregnancy BMI and analyze the recommended BMI range for pre-pregnancy counseling.

Methods

Data were extracted from the medical records of 39 public hospitals across 14 provinces in China from 2011 to 2012. The eligibility criteria were singleton birth with delivery week ≥28 weeks. Join-point analysis was adopted to explore changing trends with pre-pregnancy BMI and calculate slopes and join points of different pregnancy complications.

Results

A total of 65,188 women were eligible for analysis. There were three categories of trend style. Continuously increasing trends were linear for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage, and low 1-min Apgar score, and non-linear for cesarean delivery with one join point of BMI 23, hypertension disorder in pregnancy with two join points of BMI 20 and 28, gestational diabetes mellitus with one join point of BMI 22, and macrosomia with one join point of BMI 19. The trend was continuously and linearly decreasing for anemia. The bidirectional trends were downward and upward for premature rupture of the membrane with join BMI 22, preterm premature rupture of the membrane with join BMI 22, placenta abruption with join BMI 23, preterm birth with join BMI 19, and low birth weight with join BMI 19.

Conclusions

The changes in the trends of specific outcomes differed with pre-pregnancy BMI. Our results suggested that a pre-pregnancy BMI ranging between 19 and 23 may help reduce the risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Understanding the relationship between social determinants of health and maternal mortality: Scientific Impact Paper No. 67

Within this document we use the terms pregnant woman and women's health. However, it is important to acknowledge that it is not only people who identify as women for whom it is necessary to access care. Obstetric and gynaecology services and delivery of care must therefore be appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to the needs of those individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Is the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with pre-eclampsia modified by very low or very high offspring birth weight? A nationwide cohort study in Norway

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with pre-eclampsia is modified by very low or very high offspring birth weight. Further, we studied whether diabetes in pregnancy modified this risk.

DESIGN

Nationwide cohort study.

SETTING

Norwegian population registries.

PARTICIPANTS

618 644 women who gave birth to their first child during 1980-2009.

METHODS

The women were followed from delivery until the development of CVD or censoring, by linkage of the Medical Birth Registry of Norway to the Cardiovascular Disease in Norway project, and the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

CVD.

RESULTS

Compared with normotensive women with normal offspring birth weight, women with pre-eclampsia had increased risk of CVD (HR 2.16; 95% CI 2.05 to 2.26). The CVD risk was even higher when pre-eclampsia was accompanied with a large for gestational age offspring (LGA, z-score >2.0) (HR 2.57; 95% CI 2.08 to 3.18). Women with pre-eclampsia and a small for gestational age offspring (SGA, z-score <-2.0) had an HR of 1.54 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.93) compared with normotensive women with normal offspring birth weight.Also, women with diabetes had increased CVD risk, but no additional risk associated with an LGA or SGA offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with pre-eclampsia and an LGA offspring had higher risk of CVD than pre-eclamptic women with a normal weight (z-score -2.0 to 2.0) or SGA offspring. These findings suggest that factors causing pre-eclampsia and an LGA offspring are also linked to development of CVD.

Monocytes and macrophages in pregnancy: The good, the bad, and the ugly

A successful human pregnancy requires precisely timed adaptations by the maternal immune system to support fetal growth while simultaneously protecting mother and fetus against microbial challenges. The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by a robust increase in innate immune activity that promotes successful implantation of the blastocyst and placental development. Moreover, early pregnancy is also a state of increased vulnerability to vertically transmitted pathogens notably, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Zika virus (ZIKV), SARS-CoV-2, and Listeria monocytogenes. As gestation progresses, the second trimester is marked by the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment that promotes fetal tolerance and growth while preventing preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, and other gestational complications. Finally, the period leading up to labor and parturition is characterized by the reinstatement of an inflammatory milieu triggering childbirth. These dynamic waves of carefully orchestrated changes have been dubbed the "immune clock of pregnancy." Monocytes in maternal circulation and tissue-resident macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface play a critical role in this delicate balance. This review will summarize the current data describing the longitudinal changes in the phenotype and function of monocyte and macrophage populations in healthy and complicated pregnancies.

The environmental risk factors prior to conception associated with placental abruption: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND

The present umbrella review evaluated risk factors prior to conception associated with placental abruption based on meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 25, 2021. All meta-analyses that had focused on assessing the risk factors associated with placental abruption were included. We calculated summary effect estimates, 95% CI, heterogeneity I², 95% prediction interval, small-study effects, excess significance biases, and sensitive analysis. The quality of the meta-analyses was evaluated with A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2).

RESULTS

There was no risk factor in the present umbrella review with the high level of evidence (class I or II). Eight risk factors including maternal asthma (RR 1.29 95% CI 1.14, 1.47), prior cesarean section (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.35-1.42), cocaine using (RR 4.55, 95% CI 1.78-6.50), endometriosis (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12-1.76), chronic hypertension (OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.04-4.80), advanced maternal age (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.35-1.54), maternal smoking (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.75-1.85) (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.51-1.80), and use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.70-2.06) were graded as suggestive evidence (class III). The other four risk factors including pre-pregnancy underweight (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12-1.70), preeclampsia (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.47-2.04), uterine leiomyoma (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.38-3.88), and marijuana use (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.32-2.40) were graded as risk factors with weak evidence (class IV).

CONCLUSION

Maternal asthma, prior cesarean section, cocaine use, endometriosis, chronic hypertension, advanced maternal age, maternal smoking, and use of ART, pre-pregnancy underweight, preeclampsia, uterine leiomyoma, and marijuana use were risk factors associated with placental abruption. Although factors associated with placental abruption have been investigated, the current meta-analytic associations cannot disentangle the complex etiology of placental abruption mainly due to their low quality of evidence.

Raising awareness of pre-conception care in community pharmacies: a feasibility study

Background

There is growing evidence to support the introduction of pre-conception interventions to optimise the health of mothers and their future children. At present, there is poor awareness regarding the importance of pre-conception care (PCC) amongst healthcare professionals and couples planning a pregnancy. Community pharmacies are ideally placed to reach a range of prospective couples planning a pregnancy and could effectively provide information about PCC.

Methods

This study assessed feasibility of an intervention to raise awareness of PCC in community pharmacies in Northern Ireland over 3 months. Inclusion criteria: women of childbearing age (16–45 years) engaging with services at participating pharmacies. Study resources: campaign posters, information cards, crib sheets for pharmacy staff. A mixed methods approach was employed, including, brief information provision for women, record of staff interactions with customers, customer feedback cards and qualitative interviews with pharmacy staff. Descriptive statistics assessed distribution of study resources and staff interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis framework.

Results

There were eight participating pharmacies, three of which consented to post-study interviews. Three pharmacies chose not to deliver the planned intervention. Distribution of campaign cards (n = 456) varied (0–86%). Analysis of customer feedback cards (n = 9) demonstrated that the majority of respondents were happy to receive information on pre-conception health. Of the women who responded to this question (n = 8), all were ‘extremely likely’ or ‘likely’ to act on the information provided. Four main themes emerged from analysis of staff interviews: (1) training and experience in providing health advice, (2) intervention resources, (3) understanding the aims of the intervention, (4) perceived value of the intervention. Barriers to intervention delivery included non-engagement from pharmacies and need for additional training of staff.

Conclusions

An intervention to raise awareness of PCC within a community pharmacy setting was feasible and acceptable to both women and staff in participating pharmacies. This study indicates that a number of factors must be considered to enhance implementation and effectiveness of PCC interventions in this setting. In particular, better understanding of non-engagement, provision of adequate training and support for staff, and exploring incentives for pharmacies to prioritise PCC.

Antenatal fetal surveillance of women with severe obesity

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the impact of body mass index (BMI) categories on duration of the nonstress test (NST), and the need for additional tests of fetal wellbeing or interventions.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with singleton pregnancies who had an NST for the indications of severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m²), diabetes (pre-gestational or gestational), hypertensive disorders (chronic, gestational, and preeclampsia), and others between 1 January 2015 until 31 December 2016. NST durations (<30 and ≥30 min) were compared between groups first based on BMI (kg/m²) categories (<30, 30-39, 40-49, and ≥50) and then based on BMI and comorbidities: (1) severe obesity alone, (2) severe obesity and comorbidities, and (3) comorbidities alone. We compared the results of the NSTs, any subsequent fetal testing or interventions, and pregnancy outcomes among groups. Demographic information was compared using t-tests for continuous data and χ² analyses or Fisher's exact test, if the cells sizes were small, for categorical data. NST durations based on BMI groups, as well as BMI and comorbidities groups, were compared using linear mixed models and ANOVA.

RESULTS

Three hundred and fifty-one women underwent 1665 NSTs during the study period. After excluding women <18 and >50 years, gestational age <30 weeks, fetal anomalies, and NSTs lasting longer than 60 min, the study population included 313 women and 1471 NSTs. The mean NST duration in minutes of the BMI ≥50 (32.2 ± 9.6) category was significantly longer than the NST duration of the other BMI categories (BMI <30: 29.4 ± 8.3; BMI 30-39: 29.7 ± 8.9; BMI 40-49: 29.9 ± 8.3) (p=.05). Additionally, there was an increased percentage of NSTs lasting ≥30 min as the BMI category increased (p=.005). Women in the severe obesity and comorbidities group (n = 79) were less likely to have a reactive NST than women with severe obesity alone (n = 56) or comorbidities alone (n = 178) (92% vs. 97% vs. 98%, p<.0001). They were also more likely to need a biophysical profile (BPP) (8% vs. 3% vs. 2%, p<.0001). Of the 25 women that were sent to the labor and delivery unit for evaluation, 20 (80%) were admitted and delivered. The reasons for delivery were hypertension (n = 9, 45%), an abnormal NST (n = 5, 25%), oligohydramnios (n = 4, 20%), and labor (n = 2, 10%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an increase in NST duration as the BMI increased. Women with severe obesity and a comorbidity were more likely to have a nonreactive NST and require a subsequent BPP. Of the 20 patients delivered due to NST surveillance, the most common indication for delivery was hypertension.

Impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on the risk of maternal and infant pregnancy complications in Korean women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Healthy weight maintenance before and during pregnancy has a significant effect on pregnancy outcomes; however, there are no specific guidelines for gestational weight gain in pregnant Korean women. Therefore, we investigated the impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain on the risk of maternal and infant pregnancy complications in pregnant Korean women.

METHODS

Study participants comprised 3454 singleton pregnant women from the Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study who had baseline examination and pregnancy outcome data. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain were categorized according to the Asia-pacific regional guidelines and the Institute of Medicine recommendations, respectively. The primary outcome was any adverse outcomes, defined as the presence of one or more of the following: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, peripartum depressive symptom, cesarean delivery, delivery complications, preterm birth, small or large weight infant, neonatal intensive care unit admission, or a congenital anomaly. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to examine the independent and combined impact of pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain on the risk of maternal and infant outcomes.

RESULTS

Obesity before pregnancy significantly increased the risk of perinatal adverse outcomes by more than 2.5 times [odds ratio (OR): 2.512, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.817-3.473]. Compared to that in women with appropriate gestational weight gain, women with excessive weight gain had a 36.4% incremental increase in the risk of any adverse outcomes [OR: 1.364, 95% CI: 1.115-1.670]. Moreover, women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy and had excessive gestational weight gain had a three-fold increase in the risk of adverse outcomes [OR: 3.460, 95% CI: 2.210-5.417].

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for appropriate weight recommendations before and during pregnancy to prevent perinatal complications in Korean women of childbearing age.

Trends in maternal body mass index in Northern Ireland: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Objectives

Explore (1) associations between maternal body mass index (BMI), demographic and clinical characteristics, (2) longitudinal trends in BMI, (3) geographical distributions in prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity.

Design

Retrospective population-based study.

Setting

Linked, anonymised, routinely collected healthcare data and official statistics from Northern Ireland.

Participants

All pregnancies in Northern Ireland (2011–2017) with BMI measured at ≤16 weeks gestation.

Methods

Analysis of variance and χ² tests were used to explore associations. Multiple linear regression was used to explore longitudinal trends and spatial visualisation illustrated geographical distribution. Main outcomes are prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²).

Results

152 961 singleton and 2362 multiple pregnancies were included. A high prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity in Northern Ireland is apparent (singleton: 52.4%; multiple: 48.3%) and is increasing. Obesity was positively associated with older age, larger numbers of previous pregnancies and unplanned pregnancy (p<0.001). BMI category was also positively associated with unemployment (35% in obese class III vs 22% in normal BMI category) (p<0.001). Higher BMI categories were associated with increased rate of comorbidities, including hypertension (normal BMI: 1.8% vs obese III: 12.4%), diabetes mellitus (normal BMI: 0.04% vs obese III: 1.29%) and mental ill-health (normal BMI: 5.0% vs obese III: 11.8%) (p<0.001). Prevalence of maternal obesity varied with deprivation (most deprived: 22.8% vs least deprived: 15.7%) (p<0.001). Low BMI was associated with age <20 years, nulliparity, unemployment and mental ill-health (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of maternal BMI >25 kg/m² is increasing over time in Northern Ireland. Women are entering pregnancy with additional comorbidities likely to impact their life course beyond pregnancy. This highlights the need for prioritisation of preconception and inter-pregnancy support for management of weight and chronic conditions.

Impact of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index on maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes in the worldwide populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Systematic review and meta-analysis conducted to investigate the effect of stratified pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index on twenty maternal and fetal/neonatal adverse outcomes.

METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Embase, Web of Science databases were searched from inception till July 11, 2020. Cohort studies were included. The pooled odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported considering the random effect and the quality effect model. The sub-group analysis and meta-regression were conducted for BMI cut-offs, geographical region, source of BMI, and sample size.

RESULTS

Overall, 86 studies representing 20,328,777 pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. Our study reveals that overweight and obese mothers are at increased odds of cesarean delivery, elective cesarean delivery, emergency cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, induction of labor, postpartum hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, pre-term premature rupture of membrane, and the fetuses/neonates of overweight and obese mothers are at increased risk of admission in the newborn intensive care unit, APGAR scores less than 7 at 5 min, large for gestational age, macrosomia, extreme pre-term birth in pregnant mothers compared with standard BMI mothers. However, the underweight mothers showed increased odds for small for gestational age infant and pre-term birth, whereas obese mothers were at higher risk for post-term birth and stillbirths. The subgroup and meta-regression analyses have shown the impact of BMI cut-offs, geographical region, source of BMI, and sample size on several maternal, fetal/neonatal adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The meta-analysis confirmed the association of elevated pre-pregnancy maternal BMI with higher odds of adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes.

Maternal Immune Activation Hypotheses for Human Neurodevelopment: Some Outstanding Questions

The Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) hypothesis is a leading model for understanding prenatal influences on individual differences in, and clinical syndromes of, neurodevelopment. Experimental animal and human research has proliferated in recent years, and there is now a sizable research base. Several meta-analyses demonstrate general support for an association between prenatal immune activation and neurodevelopment in human research. However, questions remain about the nature of the immune activation, the network of underlying mechanisms involved, and the breadth of impact across behavioral phenotypes. Complementing recent reviews of results, the current review places particular emphasis on how advances in understanding mechanisms may be improved with greater attention to addressing the methodological variation and limitations of existing studies, and identifies areas for further clinical research.

Does interpregnancy BMI change affect the risk of complications in the second pregnancy? Analysis of pooled data from Aberdeen, Finland and Malta

Objective

Weight management interventions during pregnancy have had limited success in reducing the risk of pregnancy complications. Focus has now shifted to pre-pregnancy counselling to optimise body weight before subsequent conception. We aimed to assess the effect of interpregnancy body mass index (BMI) change on the risk of perinatal complications in the second pregnancy.

Methods

A cohort study was performed using pooled maternity data from Aberdeen, Finland and Malta. Women with a BMI change of ±2 kg/m² between their first and second pregnancies were compared with those who were BMI stable (remained within ±2 kg/m²). Outcomes assessed included pre-eclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth, birth weight, and stillbirth in the second pregnancy. We also assessed the effect of unit change in BMI for PE and IUGR. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

An increase of ≥2 kg/m² between the first two pregnancies increased the risk of PE (1.66 (1.49–1.86)) and high birthweight (>4000 g) (1.06 (1.03–1.10)). A reduction of ≥2 kg/m² increased the chance of IUGR (1.15 (1.01–1.31)) and preterm birth (1.14 (1.01–1.30)), while reducing the risk of instrumental delivery (0.75 (0.68–0.85)) and high birthweight (0.93 (0.87–0.98)). Reducing BMI did not significantly decrease PE risk in women with obesity or those with previous PE. A history of PE or IUGR in the first pregnancy was the strongest predictor of recurrence independent of interpregnancy BMI change (5.75 (5.30–6.24) and (7.44 (6.71–8.25), respectively).

Conclusion

Changes in interpregnancy BMI have a modest impact on the risk of high birthweight, PE and IUGR in contrasting directions. However, a prior history of PE and IUGR is the dominant predictor of recurrence at second pregnancy.

A prospective population-based multicentre study on the impact of maternal body mass index on adverse pregnancy outcomes: Focus on normal weight

Background

Maternal body mass index (BMI) below or above the reference interval (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Whether BMI exerts an effect within the reference interval is unclear. Therefore, we assessed the association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and BMI, in particular within the reference interval, in a general unselected pregnant population.

Methods

Data was extracted from a prospective population-based multicentre cohort (Risk Estimation for PrEgnancy Complications to provide Tailored care (RESPECT) study) conducted between December 2012 to January 2014. BMI was studied in categories (I: <18.5, II: 18.5–19.9, III: 20.0–22.9, IV: 23.0–24.9, V: 25.0–27.4, VI: 27.5–29.9, VII: >30.0 kg/m²) and as a continuous variable within the reference interval. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were defined as composite endpoints for maternal, neonatal or any pregnancy complication, and for adverse pregnancy outcomes individually. Linear trends were assessed using linear-by-linear association analysis and (adjusted) relative risks by regression analysis.

Results

The median BMI of the 3671 included women was 23.2 kg/m² (IQR 21.1–26.2). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were reported in 1256 (34.2%). Linear associations were observed between BMI categories and all three composite endpoints, and individually for pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates; but not for small-for-gestational-age neonates and preterm birth. Within the reference interval, BMI was associated with the composite maternal endpoint, PIH, GDM and LGA, with adjusted relative risks of 1.15 (95%CI 1.06–1.26), 1.12 (95%CI 1.00–1.26), 1.31 (95%CI 1.11–1.55) and 1.09 (95%CI 1.01–1.17).

Conclusions

Graded increase in maternal BMI appears to be an indicator of risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes even among women with a BMI within the reference interval. The extent to which BMI directly contributes to the increased risk in this group should be evaluated in order to determine strategies most valuable for promoting safety and long-term health for mothers and their offspring.

Exploring psychological factors associated with breastfeeding in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2

OBJECTIVE

Women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² are less likely to initiate and maintain breastfeeding compared to normal-weight women. Psychological factors have been linked with breastfeeding, but their influence on women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² experiences needs further exploration. The aim of this study was to investigate whether psychological factors are voiced by women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², and how these factors influence their breastfeeding.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of eighteen semi-structured interviews with women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² who had breastfed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Deductive thematic analysis was used to apply a framework of psychological factors to the data, and investigate the extent to which they feature within the women's breastfeeding experiences.

RESULTS

All psychological factors were reported as part of women's experiences. Planning to breastfeed, planning short durations and having high confidence, factual and social knowledge positively influenced initiation and maintenance. Believing in their ability to produce nutritionally adequate and sufficient milk, that breastfeeding would assist weight loss, and that others around them approved of breastfeeding also had a positive impact. Novel relationships between psychological factors were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological factors influence women's breastfeeding experiences. A model of breastfeeding in women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² has been developed, and can inform future intervention development.

The effect of prepregnancy body mass index on maternal micronutrient status: a meta-analysis

The relationship between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal micronutrient status is inconsistent and has not received sufficient attention. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of prepregnancy BMI on micronutrient levels in pregnant women. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles that contained information on micronutrient levels and prepregnancy BMI. A random-effects model was used to determine the association between prepregnancy BMI and maternal micronutrient status. Sixty-one eligible articles were eventually included, with 83,554 participants. Vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, iron and ferritin were the main micronutrients evaluated in our meta-analysis. Prepregnancy obesity and overweight may lead to an increased risk of micronutrient deficiency, including vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D deficiency, while prepregnancy obesity or overweight may have no significant association with ferritin deficiency. Additionally, the results of the dose-response analyses demonstrated a possible significant inverse correlation between prepregnancy BMI and levels of micronutrient, except for iron and ferritin. Compared with women with normal weight, women who were overweight or obese prepregnancy have lower micronutrient concentrations and are more likely to exhibit micronutrient deficiency during pregnancy, which is harmful to both mothers and neonates.

Options in Pregnancy to Increase ActiveLy Sitting (OPALS) Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

A negative association between obesity and pregnancy outcomes has been described, as well as between time sedentary and pregnancy outcomes. Most interventions based on physical activity involving obese pregnant women have failed in improving pregnancy outcomes. Exchanging time spent in sedentary activities with time spent in light-intensity activities, performed in a home-based setting, might help morbidly obese pregnant women. We aimed to assess the feasibility of an exercise intervention.

METHODS

An exercise intervention for morbidly obese pregnant women was designed involving morbidly obese pregnant women. Pregnant women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² with 20 or less weeks of gestation were invited to take part in the OPALS Feasibility Study. A home-based approach was employed. Participants were asked to perform the intervention for at least 12 weeks, and to register their performance in an activity diary. After the intervention, participants were asked to return the activity diary and answer a feasibility questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the intervention, 28 participants took part. Six women completed the intervention for 12 weeks or more. All declared they intended to keep on doing the intervention. All women reported that the exercises made them feel better.

CONCLUSION

Empowering, and involving morbidly obese pregnant women in taking care of themselves and giving them realistic tasks to do on their own and around their environment helps to increase commitment, as does avoiding the effect of their own weight whilst exercising. A 20% of compliance was observed in this study, which might be explained by the difficulties that pregnancy and excess weight mean. Thus, for future studies, we suggest adding a supervision plan to increase that number.

Pregnancy and lactation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass worsen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese rats and lead to differential programming of hepatic de novo lipogenesis in offspring

Maternal obesity increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in offspring. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYBG) is effective for achieving weight loss and ameliorates NAFLD. To determine whether these benefits are maintained after pregnancy and/or lactation, and whether they modulate hepatic morphofunction in the next generation, we evaluated hepatic lipid metabolism in Western diet (WD)-obese female rats that underwent RYGB and in their F1 offspring at adulthood. Female Wistar rats consumed a WD from 21 to 130 days of age, before being submitted to RYGB (WD-RYGB-F0) or SHAM (WD-SHAM-F0) operations. After 5 weeks, these females were mated with control male breeders, and the male and female F1 offspring were identified as WD-RYGB-F1 and WD-SHAM-F1. WD-RYGB-F0 dams exhibited lower serum lipids levels, but severe hepatic steatosis and pathological features of advanced liver injury. The hepatic proteins involved in lipogenesis were reduced in WD-RYGB-F0, as were the genes related to β-oxidation and bile acids (BAs). Although the female and male WD-RYGB-F1 groups did not exhibit hepatic steatosis, the livers of female WD-RYGB-F1 demonstrated higher amounts of lipogenic genes and proteins, while male WD-RYGB-F1 presented a similar downregulation of lipogenic factors to that seen in WD-RYGB-F0 dams. In contrast, maternal and offspring groups of both sexes displayed reductions in the expressions of genes involved in BAs physiology and gluconeogenesis. As such, RYGB aggravates NAFLD after pregnancy and lactation and induces a gender-dependent differential expression of the hepatic lipogenesis pathway in offspring, indicating that female WD-RYGB-F1 may be an increased risk of developing NAFLD.

A meta-review of systematic reviews of lifestyle interventions for reducing gestational weight gain in women with overweight or obesity

Women with overweight or obesity are twice as likely to gain excessive gestational weight than women of normal weight. Identifying effective interventions to support this group achieve healthy gestational weight gain is important. An overview of systematic reviews regarding the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on gestational weight gain in women with overweight or obesity was undertaken, including searching eight electronic databases. Quality of included reviews was assessed by two independent researchers. A narrative data synthesis was undertaken, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses by type of intervention and quality of the included reviews. A total of 15 systematic reviews were included within this meta-review. A small reduction in gestational weight gain of between 0.3 and 2.4 kg was noted with lifestyle interventions compared with standard care. There was some evidence that dietary only or physical activity only interventions may reduce the odds of gestational diabetes. No differences were noted in the odds of other maternal or infant health outcomes. Although lifestyle interventions appeared to decrease gestational weight gain, current evidence does not show a clear benefit on maternal and infant outcomes from the small nature of the reduction in gestational weight gain produced by lifestyle interventions in women with overweight or obesity.

A potential role for insulin treatment during pregnancy in reducing postpartum psychological distress in maternal obesity: an administrative population health study

BACKGROUND

Studies have found an association between obesity and an increased risk for peripartum depression, which has also been linked to decreased placental lactogen levels. In addition, women with obesity treated for gestational diabetes with insulin were found to have increased levels of placental lactogen. Treatment options exist for perinatal and postpartum depression however they pose a risk to the developing offspring. Thus, prevention as well as markers for early identification of peripartum depression are needed. Therefore, our study objective is to identify the association between insulin treatment in pregnancy and the risk of postpartum psychological distress (abbreviated here as PPD) among cohorts of women with and without obesity.

METHODS

Administrative health data (2002/03-2018/19) were used to identify a cohort of women (age 15+ years) who gave birth (N = 250,746) and had no pre-existing mood/anxiety disorders or diabetes (N = 222,863 excluded). Women were then divided into two groups: lean (N = 17,975) and with obesity (N = 9908), which was identified by a recorded maternal weight of > 38 to < 65.6 kg and ≥ 85 to < 186 kg (respectively). The risk of PPD within one year after delivery with and without insulin treatment was assessed by Poisson regression analysis. Models were adjusted for maternal age group (at pregnancy start date) and area-level income (at delivery).

RESULTS

The unadjusted risk of PPD was higher in the obesity group (8.56%; 95% CI 8.00-9.15) than in the lean group (6.93%; 95% CI 6.56-7.33). When no insulin treatment was given during pregnancy, mothers with obesity had a significantly higher risk of PPD than the lean group (aRR 1.27; 95% CI 1.17-1.39; p < 0.0001). However, when women with obesity and insulin treatment were compared to the lean group with no insulin treatment, no significant difference in the risk of PPD was observed between the groups (aRR 1.30; 95% CI 0.83-2.02; p = 0.248).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to demonstrate a positive association between insulin treatment in pregnancy among women with obesity and reduced PPD rates, suggesting insulin as a possible preventative measure. However, the biological mechanism behind the observed positive effect of insulin on PPD rates remains to be investigated.

Obesity, Second Stage Duration, and Labor Outcomes in Nulliparous Women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate second stage duration and its effects on labor outcomes in obese versus nonobese nulliparous women.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of a cohort of nulliparous women who presented for labor at term and reached complete cervical dilation. Adjusted relative risks (aRR) were used to estimate the association between obesity and second stage characteristics, composite neonatal morbidity, and composite maternal morbidity. Effect modification of prolonged second stage on the association between obesity and morbidity was assessed by including an interaction term in the regression model.

RESULTS

Compared with nonobese, obese women were more likely to have a prolonged second stage (aRR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.18-1.85 for ≥3 hours; aRR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.18-2.30 for ≥4 hours). Obesity was associated with a higher rate of second stage cesarean (aRR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.34-2.34) and cesarean delivery for fetal distress (aRR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.18-3.58). Obesity was also associated with increased rates of neonatal (aRR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.80), but not maternal morbidity (aRR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.90-1.25). Neonatal morbidity risk was not modified by prolonged second stage.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is associated with increased risk of neonatal morbidity, which is not modified by prolonged second stage of labor.

The relationship between gestational weight gain, maternal upper-body subcutaneous fat changes and infant birth size: A pilot observational study amongst women with obesity

BACKGROUND

It is widely acknowledged that maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with increased risk of fetal macrosomia and recent studies have suggested a role for the timing and composition of GWG.

AIMS

To examine the effect of the rate of change in GWG and maternal upper-body subcutaneous fat on neonatal anthropometric outcomes in a pilot observational study amongst women with obesity.

STUDY DESIGN

Expectant women with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m² at first antenatal appointment were recruited at 12 weeks gestation. Maternal height, weight and skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements were collected at baseline and repeated at 28 and 36 weeks gestation. Following delivery, World Health Organisation (WHO)-UK infant birthweight z-scores were calculated, and infant anthropometric measurements were obtained.

RESULTS

The sum of upper body SFT measurements increased in mid-pregnancy (0.08 ± 0.71 mm/week) and decreased in late pregnancy (-0.04 ± 1.17 mm/week). After adjustment for maternal age, BMI and parity, mid- but not late- pregnancy GWG was positively associated with infant birthweight z-score (p<0.05), while mid- but not late-pregnancy changes in the sum of SFT were inversely associated with infant birthweight z-score (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that mid- rather than late-pregnancy changes in weight and upper-body subcutaneous fat are associated with infant birthweight. Further research is required in larger, more diverse populations to explore whether pregnancy interventions aiming to improve maternal and offspring health can be personalised beyond BMI and GWG.

Obstetrician-Gynecologists' Strategies for Patient Initiation and Maintenance of Antiobesity Treatment with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists

Obesity is a chronic disease affecting women at higher rates than men. In an obstetrics and gynecology setting, frequently encountered obesity-related complications are polycystic ovary syndrome, fertility and pregnancy complications, and increased risk of breast and gynecological cancers. Obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) are uniquely positioned to diagnose and treat obesity, given their role in women's primary health care and the increasing prevalence of obesity-related fertility and pregnancy complications. The metabolic processes of bodyweight regulation are complex, which makes weight-loss maintenance challenging, despite dietary modifications and exercise. Antiobesity medications (AOMs) can facilitate weight loss by targeting appetite regulation. There are four AOMs currently approved for long-term use in the United States, of which liraglutide 3.0 mg is among the most efficacious. Liraglutide 3.0 mg, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), is superior to placebo in achieving weight loss and improving cardiometabolic profile, in both clinical trial and real-world settings. In addition, women with fertility complications receiving liraglutide 1.8–3.0 mg can benefit from improved ovarian function and fertility. Liraglutide 3.0 mg is generally well tolerated, but associated with transient gastrointestinal side effects, which can be mitigated. In this review, we present the risks of obesity and benefits of weight loss for women, and summarize clinical development of GLP-1 RAs for weight management. Finally, we provide practical advice and recommendations for OBGYNs to open the discussion about bodyweight with their patients, initiate lifestyle modification and GLP-1 RA treatment, and help them persist with these interventions to achieve optimal weight loss with associated health benefits.

Body mass index changes: an assessment of the effects of age and gender using the e-norms method

Background

To validate e-norms methodology in establishing a reference range for body mass index measures. A new method, the extrapolated norms (e-norms) method of determining normal ranges for biological variables is easy to use and recently was validated for several biological measurements. We aimed to determine whether this new method provides BMI results in agreement with established traditionally collected BMI values.

Methods

We applied the e-norms method to BMI data from 34,384 individuals and compared the ranges derived from this method with those from a large actuarially based study and explored differences in the normal range by gender, and age.

Results

The e-norms derived range of healthy BMI in adults is from 22.7 to 30.6, and showed that BMI is consistently higher in men than in women and increases with age, except in subjects aged 80–98 years in whom healthy BMI appears to be lower.

Conclusions

Our e-norms derived healthy BMI ranges agree with traditionally obtained actuarially based methods, supporting the validity and ease of use of our method.

Association of maternal pre-pregnancy low or increased body mass index with adverse pregnancy outcomes

This study investigated the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women participated in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in Guangdong Province, China, and explored these associations according to maternal age. Pre-pregnancy BMI was classified into underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), healthy weight (18.5–23.9 kg/m²), overweight (24.0–27.9 kg/m²), and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m²) according to Chinese criteria. Outcomes were preterm birth (PTB, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation), large for gestational age (LGA, birthweight above the 90th percentile for gestational age by infants’ sex), small for gestational age (SGA, birthweight below the 10th percentile for gestational age by infants’ sex), primary caesarean delivery, shoulder dystocia or birth injury, and stillbirth. Adjusted incidence risk ratios (aIRR) were calculated for underweight, overweight and obesity, respectively. Compared with healthy weight, underweight was associated with increased risk of PTB (aIRR 1.06, 95%CI 1.04–1.09) and SGA (1.23, 1.22–1.26) but inversely associated with LGA (0.83, 0.82–0.85), primary caesarean delivery (0.88, 0.87–0.90) and stillbirth (0.73, 0.53–0.99). Overweight was associated with increased risk of LGA (1.17, 1.14–1.19), primary caesarean delivery (1.18, 1.16–1.20) and stillbirth (1.44, 1.03–2.06), but inversely associated with SGA (0.92, 0.90–0.95) and shoulder dystocia or birth injury (0.86, 0.79–0.93). Obesity was associated with increased risk of PTB (1.12, 1.05–1.20), LGA (1.32, 1.27–1.37), primary caesarean delivery (1.45, 1.40–1.50), but inversely associated with SGA (0.92, 0.87–0.97). The aIRRs for underweight, overweight and obesity in relation to these adverse pregnancy outcomes ranged from 0.65 to 1.52 according to maternal age. In Chinese population, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly associated with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and the risk differs according to maternal age. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether and how counselling and interventions for women with low or increased BMI before pregnancy can reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Obesity and Pregnancy

The worldwide rates of obesity have increased significantly in recent decades. In the United States, more than 50% of pregnant women are overweight or obese. Obese gravid women are more prone to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The adverse outcomes extend beyond the pregnant obese woman; offspring of obese women are themselves at increased risk of prematurity, fetal death, injury during birth, and transient respiratory problems and metabolic effects (ie, neonatal hypoglycemia). Furthermore, maternal obesity can predispose their offspring to long-term health problems, potentially generating an intergenerational cycle of obesity and insulin resistance.

[The Influence of Maternal Obesity on Selected Obstetric Parameters]

INTRODUCTION

In Austria, the percentage of obese people increased by 5.2% between 1999 and 2014; 14.8% of women between the age of 15 to 45 are overweight. An increased body mass index (BMI) of women increases the risk of pathologies and irregularities during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. In this work, the influence of maternal obesity on selected obstetric parameters is analyzed.

METHODOLOGY

The data set includes all single births between 1.1.2008 and 31.12.2018 with a predictable BMI (n=640922) from the Austrian birth register. The maternal BMI was compared with the variables of age of the mother, parity, length of pregnancy, induction of labor, birth mode, child's APGAR value, child's umbilical cord pH value, and child's mortality and evaluated by means of a descriptive representation of the frequencies and bivariate analysis methods.

RESULTS

A BMI of women ≥30 resulted in an increased rate of premature births, childbirth, Caesarean sections, neonatal APGAR values < 8 and ≤ 4, lower umbilical cord pH values of < 7.2 and increased rates of child mortality. In contrast, vaginal operative birth termination is less common.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity has a negative impact on various obstetric factors. Prevention should promote a healthy lifestyle before the onset of pregnancy.

Healthy eating and lifestyle in pregnancy (HELP): a cluster randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a weight management intervention for pregnant women with obesity on weight at 12 months postpartum

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a weight management intervention for pregnant women with obesity was effective in reducing body mass index (BMI) 12 months after giving birth.

METHODS

Pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) with embedded cost-effectiveness analysis. 598 women with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m² (between 12 and 20 weeks gestation) were recruited from 20 secondary care maternity units in England and Wales. BMI at 12 months postpartum was the primary outcome. A range of clinical and behavioural secondary outcomes were examined.

INTERVENTIONS

Women attending maternity units randomised to intervention were invited to a weekly weight management group, which combined expertise from a commercial weight loss programme with clinical advice from midwives. Both intervention and control participants received usual care and leaflets on diet and physical activity in pregnancy.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) BMI at 12 months postpartum was 36.0 kg/m² (5.2) in the control group, and 37.5 kg/m² (6.7) in the intervention group. After adjustment for baseline BMI, the intervention effect was -0.02 (95% CI -0.04 to 0.01). The intervention group had an improved healthy eating score (3.08, 95% CI 0.16 to 6.00, p < 0.04), improved fibre score (3.22, 1.07 to 5.37, p < 0.01) and lower levels of risky drinking at 12 months postpartum compared to the control group (OR 0.45, 0.27 to 0.74, p < 0.002). The net incremental monetary benefit was not statistically significantly different between arms, although the probability of the intervention being cost-effective was above 60%, at policy-relevant thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference between groups on the primary outcome of BMI at 12 months. Analyses of secondary outcomes indicated improved healthy eating and lower levels of risky drinking.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN25260464.

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and maternal-neonatal outcomes in women with established gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with a well-documented range of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and maternal-neonatal outcomes in women with established GDM.

METHODS

Published literature was retrieved and screened from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang, and Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trails up to May 2020. RCTs of vitamin D supplementation on pregnant women with GDM were included.

RESULTS

19 RCTs (1550 participants) were eligible for meta-analyses. Overall, vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced serum fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (MD: -10.20 mg/dL, 95%CI: -13.43 to -6.96), insulin concentration (MD: -5.02 μIU/mL, 95%CI: -6.83 to -3.20) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD:-1.06, 95%CI: -1.40 to -0.72) in women with GDM. In addition, vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women with GDM significantly reduced adverse maternal outcomes including cesarean section (RR: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.63 to 0.89), maternal hospitalization (RR: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.02 to 0.98) and postpartum hemorrhage (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.22 to 1.00). Several adverse neonatal complications including neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (RR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.33 to 0.67), giant children (RR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.89), polyhydramnios (RR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.72), fetal distress (RR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.24 to 0.90) and premature delivery (RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.72) were also significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggested that supplementation of GDM women with vitamin D may lead to an improvement in glycemic control and reduction of adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes.

Inability to control gestational weight gain: an interpretive content analysis of pregnant Chinese women

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore barriers to controlling gestational weight gain in pregnant Chinese women.

DESIGN

Data were collected through semistructured interviews with pregnant women experiencing excessive gestational weight gain who struggled with weight management, and the data were examined using an interpretive content analysis.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

Fifty participants (≥18 years, with excessive gestational weight gain) were recruited when they visited the hospital for antenatal health checkups in Wuhan city (n=36) and Jinan city (n=14) between September and October 2018.

RESULTS

Interpretive content analysis identified 75 barriers after examining diet, physical activity levels and general issues stemming from knowledge and beliefs, and physical, social, logistical, emotional and structural characteristics. Compared with reported deductive codes, this study inductively extracted 15 new codes. The most frequent codes showed that expectant grandparents greatly influenced pregnant women's lifestyles, through overprotection, traditional and conservative ideas and practices, and a lack of reliable knowledge or acceptable guidance on gestational weight control.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a better understanding of the most important obstacles faced during decision making about gestational weight control in Chinese settings, especially the influence of traditional ideas/practices and expectant grandparents. Identifying the specific barriers to weight control should facilitate potential tailored supportive interventions. More efforts on health education for the whole family and a better use of maternal handbooks would be particularly beneficial.

Gestational diabetes and progression to type two diabetes mellitus: missed opportunities of follow up and prevention?

BACKGROUND

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasing. Having a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a potent risk factor for the later development of T2DM.

AIMS

To explore the characteristics of women diagnosed with GDM in a single centre and their follow up for progression to T2DM.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using anonymised data of one hundred and fifty four (154) women with GDM receiving maternity care at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUHFT) in 2010 and their follow up until 2018.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GDM in women delivering in Oxfordshire in 2010 was 3.4%. 70% of pregnant women were overweight or obese (with 51% being obese) at booking. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was excessive in 29% of women, when compared to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Almost a quarter of women (23.4%) had no follow up after delivery. Over a median follow up of 3.5 years (range 0-8 years) nearly one in six (16.9%) of the total cohort (22% of those tested) went on to develop T2DM. 74% of women with GDM were multiparous, and 65% of nulliparous women were tested compared to 81% of multiparous women. There was a significant difference between multiparous women (53.8%) compared to nulliparous women (46.2%) developing T2DM (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in BMI (p=0.866) or GWG (p=0.83) in women who progressed to T2DM versus those who did not.

CONCLUSION

The risk of T2DM after GDM is substantial however, follow up rates of this population is poor. Subsequent screening of women with GDM and their management crosses secondary and primary care with scope for improvement in counselling of women of the importance of annual reviews, in data collection and follow up in both obstetrics and general practice. The implementation of a recall system, an education programme for general practitioners and/or a registry of women diagnosed with GDM could be useful to identify those at high risk of developing T2DM as well as providing a platform for the potential development of interventions to prevent progression to T2DM after GDM.

Body mass index in early-pregnancy and selected maternal health outcomes: Findings from two cohorts in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition is one of the most influential factors that affect the health of the mother and her offspring and remains a significant public health challenge globally. There is a lack of studies evaluating the trends of maternal nutrition and its impact on the burden of pregnancy complications from low-income countries, including Bangladesh. We aimed to determine the burden of early-pregnancy nutrition status based on body mass index (BMI), and the associations of nutritional status with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), cesarean section (CS) delivery, perineal tear and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in a rural area in Bangladesh.

METHODS

This prospective study analyzed data from two cohorts: the Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) project carried out from January 2008 to June 2010, and the Preterm and Stillbirth Study, Matlab (PreSSMat) conducted from October 2015 to March 2018. In total, information of 9287 women who gave birth from the two cohorts was available for analysis. Early-pregnancy BMI was categorized into underweight, normal-weight, and overweight groups. The change in the burden of malnutrition between two cohort periods and the associations between women's BMI and maternal health outcomes were presented in odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Between the two cohort periods, the prevalence of underweight decreased from 17.5% to 15.4%, and overweight increased from 10.8% to 20.9%. The risk of being overweight in pregnant women was about two times (OR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.94-2.46) higher in the PreSSMat cohort than in the MNCH cohort. After multivariate-adjustment for socio-demographic factors, the pooled ORs of PIH, CS delivery, perineal tear, and PPH were 2.41 (95% CI = 1.95-2.99), 2.12 (95% CI = 1.86-2.41), 2.46 (95% CI = 1.54-3.92), and 1.68 (95% CI = 1.12-2.53), respectively, in women with overweight compared to the normal-weight group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirmed the existence of a double burden of malnutrition in rural women in Bangladesh. Women with overweight had an increased risk of selected pregnancy complications. The findings call for the adoption of appropriate prenatal counseling and preparedness tailored to women's nutritional status to prevent possible adverse health outcomes.

Elective Labor Induction at 39 Weeks of Gestation Compared With Expectant Management: Factors Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Low-Risk Nulliparous Women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate characteristics associated with adverse outcomes in low-risk nulliparous women randomized to elective labor induction at 39 weeks of gestation or expectant management.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of women randomized during the 38th week to induction at 39 weeks of gestation or expectant management. Deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation and those not adherent to study protocol or with fetal anomalies were excluded. A composite of adverse outcomes (perinatal death or severe neonatal complications), third- or fourth-degree lacerations, and postpartum hemorrhage were evaluated. Log binomial regression models estimated relative risks and 95% CIs for associations of outcomes with patient characteristics including randomly assigned treatment group. Interactions between patient characteristics and treatment group were tested.

RESULTS

Of 6,096 women with outcome data, 5,007 (82.1%) met criteria for inclusion in this analysis. Frequency of the perinatal composite was 252 (5.0%), 166 (3.3%) for third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration, and 237 (4.7%) for postpartum hemorrhage. In multivariable analysis, intended labor induction at 39 weeks of gestation was associated with a reduced perinatal composite outcome (4.1% vs 6.0%; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.71; 95% CI 0.55-0.90), whereas increasing body mass index (BMI) was associated with an increased perinatal composite outcome (aRR 1.04/unit increase; 95% CI 1.02-1.05). Decreased risk of third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration was observed with increasing BMI (aRR 0.96/unit increase; 95% CI 0.93-0.98) and in Black women compared with White women (1.2% vs 3.9%; aRR 0.34; 95% CI 0.19-0.60). Increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage was observed in Hispanic women compared with White women (6.3% vs 4.0%; aRR 1.64; 95% CI 1.18-2.29). Patient characteristics associated with adverse outcomes were similar between treatment groups (P for interaction >.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with expectant management, intended induction at 39 weeks of gestation was associated with reduced risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Patient characteristics associated with adverse outcomes were few and similar between groups.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01990612.

Neonatal outcome by planned mode of delivery in women with a body mass index of 35 or more: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare neonatal outcomes of women with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥35 kg/m² who underwent a trial of labour with those of women who underwent a planned primary caesarean section (CS).

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of births between April 2012 and March 2014.

SETTING

A provincial database: Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario, Canada.

POPULATION

A cohort of 8752 women with a BMI of ≥35 kg/m² who had a singleton birth at 38-42 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

Neonatal outcomes were compared between women who underwent a trial of labour (with either a successful vaginal birth or intrapartum CS) and those who underwent a planned CS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

A composite of any of the following outcomes: intrapartum neonatal death, neonatal intensive care unit admission, 5-minute Apgar score of <7 or umbilical artery pH of <7.1.

RESULTS

During the study period, 8433 (96.4%) women had a trial of labour and 319 (3.6%) had a planned CS. Intrapartum CS was performed in 1644 (19.5%) cases. There was no association between planned mode of delivery and the primary outcome (aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.07). The primary outcome was lower among women who had a successful trial of labour (aOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.91) and was higher among women who had a failed trial of labour (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.21-2.48), compared with women who underwent a planned CS.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with a BMI of ≥35 kg/m² at a gestational age of 38-42 weeks, neonatal outcomes are comparable between planned vaginal delivery and planned CS, although a failed trial of labour is at risk of adverse neonatal outcome.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Neonatal outcomes are not affected by planned mode of delivery in women who are obese, with a BMI of ≥35 kg/m² .

Guideline No. 392-Pregnancy and Maternal Obesity Part 2: Team Planning for Delivery and Postpartum Care

OBJECTIVE

This guideline will review key aspects in the pregnancy care of women with obesity. Part I will focus on Preconception and Pregnancy Care. Part II will focus on Team Planning for Delivery and Postpartum Care.

INTENDED USERS

All health care providers (obstetricians, family doctors, midwives, nurses, anaesthesiologists) who provide pregnancy-related care to women with obesity.

TARGET POPULATION

Women with obesity who are pregnant or planning pregnancies.

EVIDENCE

Literature was retrieved through searches of Statistics Canada, Medline, and The Cochrane Library on the impact of obesity in pregnancy on antepartum and intrapartum care, maternal morbidity and mortality, obstetric anaesthesia, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to September 2018. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALIDATION METHODS

The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed upon by the authors. Then the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Committees peer reviewed the content and submitted comments for consideration, and the Board of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) approved the final draft for publication. Areas of disagreement were discussed during meetings at which time consensus was reached. The level of evidence and quality of the recommendation made were described using the Evaluation of Evidence criteria of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Implementation of the recommendations in these guidelines may increase obstetrical provider recognition of the issues affecting pregnant individuals with obesity, including clinical prevention strategies, communication between the health care team, the patient and family as well as equipment and human resource planning. It is hoped that regional, provincial and federal agencies will assist in the education and support of coordinated care for pregnant individuals with obesity.

GUIDELINE UPDATE

SOGC guideline will be automatically reviewed 5 years after publication. However, authors can propose another review date if they feel that 5 years is too short/long based on their expert knowledge of the subject matter.

SPONSORS

This guideline was developed with resources funded by the SOGC.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.