The Impact of Maternal Obesity and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain on Maternal and Infant Outcomes in Maine: Analysis of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Results from 2000 to 2010

A Scoping Review of Preterm Birth Risk Factors

Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, but its etiology and risk factors are poorly understood. We undertook a scoping review to illustrate the breadth of risk factors for preterm birth that have been reported in the literature. We conducted a search in the PubMed database for articles published in the previous 5 years. We determined eligibility for this scoping review by screening titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review. We extracted odds ratios and other measures of association for each identified risk factor in the articles. A total of 2,509 unique articles were identified from the search, of which 314 were eligible for inclusion in our final analyses. We summarized risk factors and their relative impacts in the following categories: Activity, Psychological, Medical History, Toxicology, Genetics, and Vaginal Microbiome. Many risk factors for preterm birth have been reported. It is challenging to synthesize findings given the multitude of isolated risk factors that have been studied, inconsistent definitions of risk factors and outcomes, and use of different covariates in analyses. Novel methods of analyzing large datasets may promote a more comprehensive understanding of the etiology of preterm birth and ability to predict the outcome. KEY POINTS: · Preterm birth is difficult to predict.. · Preterm birth has many diverse risk factors.. · Holistic approaches may yield new insights..

Adverse obstetric outcomes in women with PCOS and multiple gestations

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does multiple gestation alter the risks for adverse obstetric outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

DESIGN

Retrospective population-based cohort study using data from the HCUP-NIS from 2004 to 2014. A total of 14,882 women with PCOS, who delivered within that time period, were identified. The study group comprised women with PCOS who had had a multiple gestation (n = 880); the reference group was comprised of the remaining women with PCOS and singleton gestation (n = 14,002).

RESULTS

In women with PCOS, multiple gestation increased the risks of pregnancy complications including pregnancy-induced hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.030; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.676-2.460), pre-eclampsia (aOR 2.879; 95% CI 2.277-3.639), pre-eclampsia and eclampsia superimposed on pre-existing hypertension (aOR 1.917; 95% CI 1.266-2.903) and gestational diabetes (aOR 1.358; 95% CI 1.114-1.656). Multiple gestation increases the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (aOR 5.807; 95% CI 4.153-8.119), preterm delivery (aOR 8.466; 95% CI 7.071-10.135), Caesarean section (aOR 5.146; 95% CI 4.184-6.329), post-partum haemorrhage (aOR 1.540; 95% CI 1.065-2.228) and the need for transfusion (aOR 3.268; 95% CI 2.010-5.314), as well as wound complications (aOR 3.089; 95% CI 1.647-5.794). Neonates born to mothers with PCOS and having multiple gestations are more likely to be small for gestational age when compared to singleton neonates born to mothers with PCOS (aOR 4.606; 95% CI 3.480-6.095). Among PCOS women with multiple gestations, obesity increased the risks of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension (P < 0.001), pre-eclampsia (P < 0.001) and wound complications (P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of single embryo transfer and ovulation induction to develop a single follicle in women with PCOS. Obesity further increases obstetrical complications.

Macrosomia Risk Factors and Perinatal Outcomes: A 1-year Cohort Study

AIM: This study aims to identify possible risk factors and concurrently investigates how macrosomia impacts mothers and neonates. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a retrospective cohort of data obtained in a large tertiary obstetrics and neonatal unit over 1 year, from anuary 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Data of all deliveries conducted at the institution were accessed. In addition, singleton and term pregnancies were included for further analysis. Multiple pregnancies, premature births, stillbirths, non-vertex presentations, and being lost to follow-up served as exclusion criteria. A database of the cases was constructed and data regarding maternal constitutional parameters, mode of delivery, shoulder dystocia, perineal trauma, and postpartum hemorrhage were collected. Further on, pregnancies were divided accordingly into two groups: Macrosomic fetuses (>4000 g) and non-macrosomic fetuses (<4000 g). The two groups were compared to assess possible macrosomia risk factors and maternal-neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis is done using the Mann–Whitney-U and Chi-square tests. Significance was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 3408 deliveries met the inclusion criteria of the study. The macrosomia rate is 10.3%. The mean age (30.1 ± 5.17 years vs. 28.9 ± 8.4 years, p < 0.05) and, body mass index (29.2 ± 3.54 vs. 26.1 ± 2.78, p < 0.05) was significantly higher in the macrosomia group. Women that gained more than 12.5 kg have nearly twice the odds of delivering a big baby (odds ratio [OR] 1.86, confidence interval [CI] 1.47–2.36, p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were noted regarding cases of gestational diabetes (p = 0.56). Cesarean sections were preferred to vaginal deliveries in the macrosomic group (39.3% vs. 29.7%, OR 1.53, CI 1.2–1.9, p = 0.001). The risk of undergoing an emergency procedure is 6-fold higher in pregnancies with macrosomic newborns (20.5% vs. 13.6%, OR 6.1, CI 4.45–8.36, p < 0.001). Both episiotomy rate (40.45% vs. 31.9%, OR 1.44, CI 1.15–1.81, p = 0.001) and lacerations (3.13 % vs. 1.44%, OR 2.21, CI 1.13–4.33, p = 0.02) were higher in the macrosomic group. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that macrosomia is associated with an increase in maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes.

Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Workplace Digital Health Intervention for Preconception, Pregnant, and Postpartum Women: The Health in Planning, Pregnancy and Postpartum (HiPPP) Portal

Digital health interventions that specifically target working women across the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum (PPP) life stages may address the unique barriers to engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviours and self-care during this life phase. This paper describes the development of a workplace digital health intervention to promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing for PPP women working at a community service organization in Australia. Intervention Mapping is a framework that guides program development, implementation, and evaluation. Steps 1 to 5 of Intervention Mapping methodology (needs assessment through to program implementation) were used, including identification of determinants and change objectives across socioecological levels (i.e., individual, interpersonal, and organisational) and iterative co-design and stakeholder engagement processes. The workplace digital health intervention was successfully developed and implemented as an online portal. Content included key strategies, information, and supports to promote health and wellbeing across PPP, including supporting the return to work in the postpartum period. Examples of resource pages included a parental leave checklist, process flows, Pride resources, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources. Findings from a pilot feasibility study indicate the portal was accessible and beneficial for women in PPP life stages. The Intervention Mapping protocol may offer a valuable roadmap for collaborative design of interventions targeting PPP women's behaviour and organisational work culture. Future work is needed to evaluate whether such interventions lead to improvements in women's health and wellbeing.

Association of Gestational Weight Gain With Infant Morbidity and Mortality in the United States

IMPORTANCE

The associations of gestational weight gain (GWG) with infant morbidity and mortality are unclear, and the existing recommendations for GWG have not been stratified by the severity of obesity.

OBJECTIVES

To identify optimal GWG ranges associated with reduced risks of infant morbidity and mortality across maternal body mass index (BMI) categories.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study used US nationwide, linked birth and infant death data between 2011 and 2015 to assess the associations of GWG in 2.0-kg groups with infant morbidity and mortality and identified optimal GWG ranges associated with reduced risks of both outcomes, using multivariable logistic regression models. Statistical analysis was performed from February 11 to October 14, 2021.

EXPOSURE

Gestational weight gain equivalent to 40 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The 2 main outcomes were (1) significant morbidity of the newborn infant, defined as any presence of assisted ventilation, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, surfactant therapy, antibiotic therapy, or seizures; and (2) infant mortality younger than 1 year of age (<1 hour, 1-23 hours, 1-6 days, 7-27 days, or 28-365 days after birth).

RESULTS

In this study of 15 759 945 mother-infant dyads, the mean (SD) age of the women was 28.1 (5.9) years. Women gained a mean (SD) of 14.1 (7.3) kg during pregnancy, and the mean (SD) GWG decreased with BMI categories (underweight, 15.7 [6.4] kg; normal weight, 15.4 [6.2] kg; overweight, 14.2 [7.4] kg; obesity class 1, 12.2 [8.0] kg; obesity class 2, 10.3 [8.4] kg; obesity class 3, 8.2 [9.2] kg; P < .001). A total of 8.8% of the newborns experienced significant morbidity, with the lowest prevalence among infants delivered by women in the normal weight BMI class (8.0%) and the highest among infants delivered by women with class 3 obesity (12.4%); 0.34% of infants died within 1 year of birth, with the lowest prevalence among infants delivered by women in the normal weight BMI class (0.28%) and the highest among infants delivered by women with class 3 obesity (0.58%). Optimal GWG ranges were 12.0 to less than 24.0 kg for underweight and normal weight women, 10.0 to less than 20.0 kg for overweight women, 8.0 to less than 16.0 kg for women with class 1 obesity, 6.0 to less than 16.0 kg for class 2 obesity, and 6.0 to less than 10.0 kg for class 3 obesity. The lower bounds of the optimal GWG ranges appeared to be higher than the existing recommendations for overweight women (10.0 vs 7.0 kg) and for those with class 1 (8.0 vs 5.0 kg), class 2 (6.0 vs 5.0 kg), and class 3 (6.0 vs 5.0 kg) obesity.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study analyzed the associations of GWG with infant morbidity and mortality across BMI categories and found that inadequate GWG was associated with increased risks of adverse infant outcomes even for women with obesity. The results suggested that weight maintenance or weight loss should not be used as routine guidelines.

Associations between obesity-related gene expression in maternal and cord blood and newborn adiposity: findings from the Araraquara Cohort study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Genes involved in the regulation of metabolism, adipose tissue deposition, inflammation, and the appetite-satiety axis may play an important role in fetal development, and possibly induce permanent metabolic changes and fat accumulation. In this study we investigated: (1) obesity-related gene expression in maternal and cord blood of overweight/obese and normal-weight pregnant women; (2) associations between obesity-related gene expression in maternal and cord blood; and (3) associations of gene expression in each of maternal and cord blood with newborn adiposity.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Twenty-five overweight/obese and 32 normal-weight pregnant women were selected from the Araraquara Cohort Study according to their pre-pregnancy BMI. Maternal and cord blood gene expression of LEPR, STAT3, PPARG, TLR4, IL-6, IL-10, FTO, MC4R, TNF-α, and NFκB were investigated by relative real-time PCR quantification. The body composition of the newborns was assessed by air displacement plethysmography. Associations between maternal and cord blood gene expression and markers of newborn adiposity (weight, BMI, and fat mass%) were explored by linear regression models controlling for maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal gestational weight gain, gestational age, and newborn sex.

RESULTS

There was higher TLR4, NFκB, and TNF-a expression, and lower IL-6 expression, in overweight/obese pregnant women and their respective newborns compared with normal-weight women and their newborns (p < 0.001). Maternal PPARG gene expression was associated with both weight and fat mass % of the newborns, and cord blood IL-10 expression was associated with BMI and fat mass %, controlling for confounders.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the relationship of maternal and cord blood gene expression with adiposity markers of the newborn. Our results provide evidence for the contribution of maternal and cord blood gene expression-particularly maternal PPARG and TLR4 expression, and cord blood IL-10 expression-to newborn weight, BMI, and fat mass %.

Effect of individualized medical nutrition guidance on pregnancy outcomes in older pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the effect of individualized medical nutrition guidance on pregnancy outcomes among older pregnant women.

METHODS

This was a prospective study using a randomized controlled trial design. We selected 820 older pregnant women and randomly divided them into a study group and control group (410 women each). The control group was given routine health education and nutrition guidance; the study group was provided individualized medical nutrition guidance. Gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, vaginal delivery rate, postpartum hemorrhage rate, gestational body weight, neonatal birth weight, and neonate transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of gestational diabetes in the study group was significantly lower and the rate of vaginal delivery was significantly higher than those in the control group. The incidence of macrosomia, rate of neonatal transfer to the NICU, and rate of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were significantly lower in the study group than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Individualized nutritional intervention for older pregnant women can effectively reduce the incidence of complications during pregnancy and childbirth and improve maternal and child outcomes.

Birth Size as a Determinant of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children

The association between birth size and cardiometabolic disease risk may be U-shaped. Being born small for gestational age (SGA) has a definitive association with later cardiovascular risk, but the impact of being born large for gestational age (LGA) on cardiometabolic health is more controversial. In addition to birth size, early postnatal growth pattern and later weight gain affect cardiometabolic risk in adulthood. Most SGA-born children have catch-up and LGA-born children have catch-down growth during the first years of life. The extent of this early compensatory growth may contribute to the adverse health outcomes. Both SGA- and LGA-born children are at an increased risk for overweight and obesity. This may have a long-term impact on cardiometabolic health as overweight tends to track to adulthood. Other cardiometabolic risk factors, including alterations in glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and low-grade inflammation are associated with birth weight. Many of these risk factors are related to overweight or adverse fat distribution. Since later cardiometabolic risk is often mediated by early growth pattern and later overweight in SGA and LGA children, it is important to focus on staying normal weight throughout life. Hence, effective interventions to reduce cardiometabolic risk in LGA and SGA children should be developed.

Impact of maternal obesity on the risk of preterm delivery: insights into pathogenic mechanisms

PURPOSE

Preterm delivery (PTD) represents the leading cause of neonatal death and disability. Among risk factors for PTD, maternal obesity (MO) is becoming an ever more relevant condition in developed countries, although the mechanisms relating this condition to higher risk of PTD is not clear. Aim of this narrative review is to summarize evidences from clinical and translational research showing how MO might negatively impact on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, particularly, by increasing the risk of PTD.

METHODS

We performed comprehensive review of the literature in PubMed and Google Scholar databases for studies from 1998 to 2018 linking MO to PTD and inflammation.

RESULTS

Chronic inflammatory status associated to increased synthesis of adipokines and cytokines from fat tissue has been shown in obesity. Obese women have a higher risk of both spontaneous and medically induced PTD. In about 50% of cases of spontaneous PTD, an infection-induced chorion amnionitis can be detected while in the remaining 50% a sterile inflammatory response has been described. Activation of uterine innate immunity system in intra-amniotic cavity and in chorioamniotic membranes might represent the missing link between MO and the pathogenesis of PTD.

CONCLUSION

Tissue inflammation might represent the pathogenic link between MO and increased occurrence of PTD. The achievement of pre-pregnancy normal maternal weight and body mass index is a fundamental aim of public health to reduce the incidence of PTD and get optimal reproductive outcomes.

Exploring Therapeutic Targets to Reverse or Prevent the Transition from Metabolically Healthy to Unhealthy Obesity

The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related metabolic comorbidities are rapidly increasing worldwide, placing a huge economic burden on health systems. Excessive nutrient supply combined with reduced physical exercise results in positive energy balance that promotes adipose tissue expansion. However, the metabolic response and pattern of fat accumulation is variable, depending on the individual’s genetic and acquired susceptibility factors. Some develop metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and are resistant to obesity-associated metabolic diseases for some time, whereas others readily develop metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). An unhealthy response to excess fat accumulation could be due to susceptibility intrinsic factors (e.g., increased likelihood of dedifferentiation and/or inflammation), or by pathogenic drivers extrinsic to the adipose tissue (e.g., hyperinsulinemia), or a combination of both. This review outlines the major transcriptional factors and genes associated with adipogenesis and regulation of adipose tissue homeostasis and describes which of these are disrupted in MUO compared to MHO individuals. It also examines the potential role of pathogenic insulin hypersecretion as an extrinsic factor capable of driving the changes in adipose tissue which cause transition from MHO to MUO. On this basis, therapeutic approaches currently available and emerging to prevent and reverse the transition from MHO to MUO transition are reviewed.

Guidelines for the management of pregnant women with obesity: A systematic review

Multiple clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been established for pregnant women with obesity. The quality and consistency of recommendations remain unknown. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review to synthesize and appraise evidence from CPGs, available worldwide, for pregnant women affected by obesity. An experienced information specialist performed a rigorous search of the literature, searching MEDLINE, Embase, grey literature, and guideline registries to locate CPGs that reported on pregnancy care relating to obesity. CPGs related to antenatal care of pregnant women with obesity (pre-pregnancy body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) in low-risk (eg, care provider = family physician or midwife) or high-risk settings (eg, obstetrician or maternal fetal medicine) were included. CPGs were appraised for quality with independent data collection by two raters. Information was categorized into five domains: preconception care. care during pregnancy, diet and exercise during pregnancy, care immediately before, during, and after delivery, and postpartum care. The literature search yielded 2614 unique citations. Following screening of abstracts and full texts, 32 CPGs were included, with quality ranging between 0 and 100 on the AGREE II tool. The strongest evidence related to nutritional advice, exercise, and pregnancy risk counselling. Guidance was limited for timing of screening tests, antenatal visits and delivery, ideal postpartum care, and management of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most guidelines in this population are not evidence based. Research is needed to bridge knowledge gaps pertaining to fetal antenatal surveillance, management of adverse outcomes and postpartum care, and enhance consistency across CPGs.

Sestrin2 alleviates palmitate-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, and defective invasion of human trophoblast cells

PROBLEM

Maternal obesity induces elevated saturated fatty acid palmitate levels in the blood and causes pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, fetal growth abnormalities, and stillbirth. Sestrin2, a highly conserved stress-inducible protein, is involved in the cellular responses of various stress conditions and homeostatic regulation. However, the effects of Sestrin2 on trophoblast cells have not yet been investigated. Here, we investigated the role of Sestrin2 in palmitate-induced lipotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms in human first-trimester trophoblast cells (Sw.71).

METHOD OF STUDY

Mouse placental tissues were obtained from low-fat diet-fed mice (n = 14) and high-fat diet-fed mice (n = 14) at gestation day 17.5. Sw.71 cells were treated with palmitate or bovine serum albumin as vehicle controls. The role of Sestrin2 in palmitate-induced lipotoxicity was examined by immunocytochemistry, immunoblot analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, and invasion assay.

RESULTS

Expression of placental Sestrin2 was elevated in high-fat diet-fed dams compared to that of low-fat diet-fed dams. Prolonged treatment of Sw.71 cells with palmitate-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-dependent expressions of Sestrin2 protein and mRNA, and the treatment also triggered apoptosis. Knockdown of Sestrin2 increased palmitate-mediated ER stress, inflammatory signaling, and apoptosis. Furthermore, Sestrin2 suppressed impaired trophoblast invasion caused by palmitate and attenuated palmitate-induced ER stress and inflammation via AMPK/mTORC1 pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides the relationship between Sestrin2, AMPK/mTORC1 pathway, and trophoblast function, suggesting that Sestrin2 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for the prevention of pregnancy complications.

Factors associated with fetal macrosomia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical factors, as well as weight gain, in a group of pregnant women, associating them with fetal macrosomia in a public institution in Antioquia, Colombia, from 2010-2017.

METHODS

A case-control study, using secondary information registries. Cases were defined using newborn weight of ≥ 4000g, while controls were defined as newborn weight between 3000–3999g. A proportion ratio (PR) was established to evaluate factors associated with macrosomia, and a generalized linear model (GLM) of Poisson regression with robust variance was used to evaluate the aspects that best explained macrosomia in the neonate.

RESULTS

122 pregnant women participated in the study, of which 611 were cases and 61 were controls. Of the participants, 44.3% had pre-pregnancy overweight and 48.4% had excess gestational weight gain. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in the following variables: pre-pregnancy BMI (p = 0.004), gestational weight gain (p = 0.000), gestational diabetes (p = 0.000), and type of delivery (p = 0.004). According to the regression model, a macrosomic newborn is 3.5 times more likely in women with excessive gestational weight gain (95%CI 1.78-7.18) and twice more likely in women who have gestational diabetes (95%CI 1.51-2.76). Of women with pre-pregnancy excess weight, 63% had excess gestational weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Within this cohort, pre-pregnancy BMI, excess weight gain in pregnancy, and the presence of gestational diabetes were associated with an increased risk of neonatal macrosomia. pre-pregnancy BMI and weight gain in pregnancy are modifiable risk factors that are responsive to nutrition interventions, which can minimize adverse perinatal outcomes.

A social media intervention to improve nutrition knowledge and behaviors of low income, pregnant adolescents and adult women

Pregnant adolescents are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to adult women, necessitating a need for early and comprehensive health care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a social media intervention (i.e. weekly prenatal health messages) on improving diet quality, and health beliefs and knowledge. Participants (10 adolescents and 12 adults) completed pre-post intervention interviews, nutrition knowledge and health belief questionnaires, and 24-hour diet recalls. Participants entering pregnancy as overweight or obese were more likely to experience excessive GWG during the intervention. The adults had greater participation during the study despite high levels of social media access among both groups. Participants were able to identify sugar-sweetened foods and acknowledged the benefits of whole grains; however, overall knowledge of MyPlate Guidelines was limited. Social media-based education was well received by participants but did not result in large changes in dietary intake and knowledge. Although larger studies are needed, social media appears to have the potential to reach high-risk women.

Considerations for Preterm Human Milk Feedings When Caring for Mothers Who Are Overweight or Obese

BACKGROUND

Mother's milk is the recommended source of nutrition for all newborns. Preterm infants may be further compromised by maternal factors that impede successful lactation and alter milk composition.

PURPOSE

To review and summarize the state of the science regarding implications of maternal overweight and obesity on successful lactation and associated alterations in preterm mother's milk composition.

METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY

PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science searches were performed using relevant key words to identify references addressing maternal overweight or obesity, prematurity, human milk, and lactation.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

In the United States, more than half of women enter pregnancy with an overweight or obese body mass index. These women have increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and obstetric complications that can undermine successful initiation and continuation of lactation, including preterm birth. Maternal overweight and obesity are also associated with alterations in mother's milk composition.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Mother-preterm infant dyads affected by maternal overweight and obesity are at risk for barriers to initiation and continuation of lactation. Support for early initiation of milk expression is needed. Continued support, especially during the first weeks of lactation, can facilitate sustained milk production.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Considerable knowledge gaps remain in this area of human milk science. Future research is needed to facilitate more comprehensive understanding of differences in milk composition associated with maternal overweight and obesity and their impact on clinical outcomes in the preterm infant.

Association of trimester-specific gestational weight gain with birth weight and fetal growth in a large community-based population

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed that the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) with fetal birthweight and offspring developmental growth was unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the respective effect of 1 kg of GWG during three trimesters on birthweight and offspring growth from birth to 3 years of age.

METHODS

We extracted the decoded information from the Maternal and Child Health Information Management System of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Zhejiang, China from October 2001 to March 2015, and used multiple linear and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

This study included 20,232 women with a full-term singleton birth and 15,557 newborns who took regular health check-ups. Compared to that in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, 1 kg GWG increasing in the 1st trimester had the strongest positive association with higher birthweight, body weight, and height from 1 to 36 months. Their associations with BMI after birth were similar among the three trimesters. In addition, some positive dose-response effects found between quartiles of GWG in the 1st trimester and offspring body weight, as well as BMI. The 1 kg GWG in 1st trimester played the strongest role in contributing to birth weight and benefiting to body growth among children aged up to 3 years.

CONCLUSION

The 1 kg GWG in 1st trimester contributed more to birth weight and body development from birth to 3 years compared to the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. The possible beneficial effects of GWG in the 1st trimester on birthweight and offspring development in under/normal weight mothers are found.

Interpregnancy Body Mass Index Changes: Distribution and Impact on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Subsequent Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the change in body mass index (BMI) categories between pregnancies and its effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with two consecutive deliveries from 2005 to 2010. Analysis was limited to women with BMI recorded at <24 weeks for both pregnancies. Standard BMI categories were used. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth at <37 weeks, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), pregnancy-related hypertension, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with increased BMI category between pregnancies were compared with those who remained in the same BMI category.

RESULTS

In total, 537 women were included, of whom 125 (23%) increased BMI category. There was no association between increase in BMI category and risk of preterm birth, IUGR, or pregnancy-related hypertension. Women who increased BMI category had an increased odds of GDM compared with women who remained in the same BMI category (6.4 vs. 2.2%; p = 0.018). The increased risk remained after controlling for age, history of GDM, and starting BMI (adjusted odds ratio: 8.2; 95% confidence interval: 2.1-32.7; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Almost one-quarter of women increased BMI categories between pregnancies. This modifiable risk factor has a significant impact on the risk of GDM.

Predictors of excess birth weight in Brazil: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To describe the main predictors for excess birth weight in Brazilian children.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic review carried out in the bibliographic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. The research in the gray literature was performed using the Google Scholar database. The bias risk analysis was adapted from the Downs and Black scale, used to evaluate the methodology of the included studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Using the classifications of fetal macrosomia (>4.000g or ≥4.000g) and large for gestational age (above the 90th percentile), 64 risk factors for excess birth weight were found in 33 scientific articles in the five regions of the country. Of the 64 risk factors, 31 were significantly associated with excess birth weight, with excess gestational weight gain, pre-gestational body mass index ≥25kg/m², and gestational diabetes mellitus being the most prevalent.

CONCLUSION

The main predictors for excess birth weight in Brazil are modifiable risk factors. The implementation of adequate nutritional status in the gestational period and even after childbirth appears to be due to the quality and frequency of the follow-up of the mothers and their children by public health agencies.

Factors associated with gestational weight gain: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe the dietary patterns in pregnant women and determine the association between diet factors, pre-pregnancy body mass index, socio-demographic characteristics and gestational weight gain.

METHODS

The analysis was conducted on a group of 458 women. Cut-off values of gestational weight gain adequacy were based on recommendations published by the US Institute of Medicine and were body mass index-specific. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of the occurrence of inadequate or excessive gestational weight gain. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis.

RESULTS

Three dietary patterns characteristic of pregnant women in Poland were identified: 'unhealthy', 'varied' and 'prudent'. The factor associated with increased risk of inadequate gestational weight gain was being underweight pre-pregnancy (OR = 2.61; p = 0.018). The factor associated with increased risk of excessive weight gain were being overweight or obese pre-pregnancy (OR = 7.00; p = 0.031) and quitting smoking (OR = 7.32; p = 0.019). The risk of excessive weight gain was decreased by being underweight pre-pregnancy (OR = 0.20; p = 0.041), being in the third or subsequent pregnancy compared to being in the first (OR = 0.37; p = 0.018), and having a high adherence to a prudent dietary pattern (OR = 0.47; p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Women who were overweight or obese pre-pregnancy and those who quit smoking at the beginning of pregnancy should be provided with dietary guidance to prevent excessive gestational weight gain.

The effect of an educational intervention in early pregnancy with spouse's participation on optimal gestational weight gain in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial

Gaining weight above the Institute of Medicine recommended range contributes to the development of obesity, which increases risk for diseases. We evaluated the effectiveness of an educational program with the spouse's participation on the optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) in pregnancy. We conducted a randomized controlled trial on 128 nulliparous women attending Najmieh Hospital-Antenatal Clinic based in Tehran-Iran. Participants randomly allocated into two groups of interventions and one control group. In group A, the women received education with their spouse's participation. In group B, the women received education without the participation of the spouses. In the control group, women received only routine prenatal care. Data were analysed by the ANOVA and Chi-square coefficient. The mean of the total GWG in the groups A and B was significantly lower than the control group (13.50 ± 3.85, 13.55 ± 3.20 and 15.53 ± 4.20 kg, respectively, P > 0.05). The rate of optimal GWG in groups A and B was 1.97 and 1.77 times of the control group, respectively (P < 0.05). The percentage of non-optimal GWG significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Groups A and B were not significantly different indicating no effect of spousal presence.

Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal gestational weight gain are positively associated with birth outcomes in rural Malawi

BACKGROUND

Whereas poor maternal nutritional status before and during pregnancy is widely associated with adverse birth outcomes, studies quantifying this association in low income countries are scarce. We examined whether maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight gain during pregnancy are associated with birth outcomes in rural Malawi.

METHODS

We analyzed the associations between pre-pregnancy BMI and average weekly gestational weight gain (WWG) and birth outcomes [duration of gestation, birth weight, length-for-age z-score (LAZ), and head circumference-for-age z-score (HCZ)]. We also determined whether women with low or high pre-pregnancy BMI or women with inadequate or excessive WWG were at increased risk of adverse birth outcomes.

RESULTS

The analyses included 1287 women with a mean BMI of 21.8 kg/m2, of whom 5.9% were underweight (< 18.5 kg/m2), 10.9% were overweight (≥ 25 kg/m2), 71.8% had low WWG [below the lower limit of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation], and 5.2% had high WWG (above IOM recommendation). In adjusted models, pre-pregnancy BMI was not associated with duration of pregnancy (p = 0.926), but was positively associated with birth weight and HCZ (<0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). WWG was positively associated with duration of gestation (p = 0.031), birth weight (p<0.001), LAZ (p<0.001), and HCZ (p<0.001). Compared to normal weight women, underweight women were at increased risk of having stunted infants (p = 0.029). Women with low WWG were at increased risk of having infants with low birth weight (p = 0.006) and small head circumference (p = 0.024) compared to those with normal weight gain. Those with high BMI or high WWG were not at increased risk of adverse birth outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

WWG is an important predictor of birth outcomes in rural Malawi. The high prevalence of inadequate WWG compared to low pre-pregnancy BMI highlights the need to investigate causes of inadequate weight gain in this region.

Addressing cultural, racial and ethnic discrepancies in guideline discordant gestational weight gain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature and describe the discrepancies in achieving the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) gestational weight gain (GWG) guidelines across cultures.

METHODS

Ten databases were searched from inception to April 2018. Observational cohort studies were included that examined adult women; reported on a measure of culture; compared cultural groups, and reported on GWG. Articles were broken down into papers that used the current 2009 IOM GWG guidelines and those that used others. A meta-analysis was conducted for studies using the 2009 guidelines examining the prevalence of discordant GWG across cultural groups.

RESULTS

The review included 86 studies. Overall, 69% of women experienced discordant GWG irrespective of culture. White women experienced excessive GWG most often, and significantly more than Asian and Hispanic women; Black women had a higher prevalence of excessive GWG than Hispanic and Asian women; however, this difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of women experience excessive GWG, with White women experiencing this most often. Culturally diverse GWG guidelines are needed to individualize antenatal care and promote optimal maternal-fetal health outcomes across cultural groups.

High Blood Pressure at Early School Age Among Extreme Preterms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Former preterm infants are at increased risk of hypertension with increasing age. Our objective was to identify rates of high blood pressure (BP) (≥90th percentile) and hypertension (BP ≥95th percentile) and associated risk factors among extreme preterm (EPT) infants at 6 to 7 years of age.

METHODS

Assessment included BP and anthropometrics. Comparisons were made by BP ≥90th versus <90th percentile. Regressions were run to identify relative risk (RR) of factors associated with BP ≥90th percentile.

RESULTS

Among 379 EPT infants, 20.6% had systolic high BP, 10.8% systolic hypertension, 21.4% diastolic high BP, and 11.4% diastolic hypertension. Children with systolic high BP had higher rates of BMI, triceps skinfolds >85th percentile, and waist circumference >90th percentile. In regression analyses, weight gain velocity from 18 months to school age (RR = 1.36), and maternal gestational diabetes (MGD) (RR = 2.04) predicted systolic and either systolic and/or diastolic high BP (RR = 1.27 and RR = 1.67). Among children with BMI <85th percentile, 17% had systolic and 19% had diastolic high BP. Regression analysis for normal weight children indicated public insurance (RR = 2.46) and MGD (RR = 2.16) predicted systolic high BP, and MGD (RR = 2.08) predicted either systolic or diastolic high BP.

CONCLUSIONS

Both overweight and normal weight EPT children are at risk for high BP and hypertension. Public insurance, MGD, and weight gain velocity are risk factors. Findings of high BP among EPT children at early school age are worrisome and indicate a need for close follow-up.

Gestational weight gain in Chinese women -- results from a retrospective cohort in Changsha, China

Background

The generalizability of the gestational weight gain (GWG) ranges recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to Chinese women is disputed.

Methods

In 2016, 16,780 pregnant women who gave birth to live singletons in Changsha, China, were enrolled. First, subjects with optimal pregnancy outcomes were identified for the GWG percentile distribution description and for comparison to the IOM recommendations. Second, all subjects with optimal GWG according to the IOM body mass index (BMI) cutoffs and those with optimal GWG according to the Asian BMI cutoffs were selected. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between those two groups.

Results

A total of 13,717 births with optimal pregnancy outcomes were selected to describe the GWG distribution. The height and central position of the GWG distributions determined by the Asian BMI cutoffs differed from those determined by the IOM BMI cutoffs among the overweight and obese groups. The recommended IOM GWG ranges were narrower than and shifted to the left of the observed distributions. In both BMI classification schemes, however, the IOM-recommended ranges were within the middle 70% (Pc 15th–85th) and 50% (Pc 25th–75th) of the observed distribution. A total of 6438 (38.37%) and 6110 (36.41%) women gained optimal GWG, according to the IOM and Asian BMI classifications, respectively. Compared with those with optimal GWG according to IOM BMI cutoffs, women with optimal GWG according to the Asian BMI cutoffs had lower risks of both macrosomia (adjusted OR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.67–0.94) and large-for-gestational age (adjusted OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.76, 0.98). However, no significantly different risks of preterm, low birthweight, small-for-gestational age, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or gestational diabetes were found between them.

Conclusions

The IOM-recommended GWG ranges are within the middle 70% of the distributions in Chinese women, and pre-pregnancy weight status should be determined by the Asian BMI cut-off points for monitoring and making GWG recommendations to Chinese women.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-1833-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Promoting healthy lifestyle in fertility clinics; an Australian perspective

STUDY QUESTION

Are Australian fertility clinics adequately addressing unhealthy lifestyle in patients seeking fertility treatment?

SUMMARY ANSWER

This study has highlighted deficiencies in practices and education around managing patients with unhealthy lifestyle undergoing fertility treatment.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The association between lifestyle and fertility is well documented, with obesity and smoking being of particular concern to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Guidelines recommend that unhealthy lifestyle is addressed prior to conception, yet anecdotal experience suggests this is not being addressed. Lifestyle modification programmes can be effective in improving pregnancy rates and outcomes, however, recruitment to such programmes can be challenging.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION

A cohort study of Australian fertility clinics’ attitudes and practices regarding lifestyle modification to augment reproductive treatment outcomes was conducted between August and October 2015.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD

An online survey was administered to senior fertility nurses, from all registered fertility clinics in Australia. Data were collated and subjected to a univariate data analysis, where frequency tables were produced for each question. A separate qualitative analysis was undertaken of data from open ended questions.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Fifty-three out of 85 potential respondents (62.4%), all from different clincis, completed the survey, with almost all acknowledging the importance of addressing unhealthy lifestyle before offering ART treatment. However, most clinics did not offer internal resources to assist with lifestyle modification. Whilst the promotion of healthy lifestyle was recognised as a key component of the role of a fertility nurse, participants did not feel that nurses were best equipped to provide lifestyle modification programmes, owing to a lack of resources and specific skills in this area. Suggested areas for improved practice included prioritising general health prior to offering treatment, and further utilising and upskilling nurses to assist with lifestyle modification programmes.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The survey was completed by only one nurse from each clinic and as such may not be entirely representative of all clinic practices.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Fertility clinics are likely to see an increasing number of patients with unhealthy lifestyle, resulting in health concerns such as obesity. The results of this study provide an insight into how unhealthy lifestyle is currently being addressed in fertility clinics and suggested areas that could be targeted for improving practice and outcomes.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

No conflict of interest to declare. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NA

Relationship between the Nutritional Status of Vitamin A per Trimester of Pregnancy with Maternal Anthropometry and Anemia after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional status of vitamin A per trimester of pregnancy, as well as to assess its influence on pre-pregnancy BMI, total gestational weight gain (TGWG) and presence of anemia in women who had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). An analytical, longitudinal and retrospective study comprising 30 pregnant women who had previously undergone RYGB was undertaken. In all trimesters of pregnancy, the serum concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, stages of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), night blindness (NB), anemia and anthropometric variables were assessed. VAD in pregnancy affected 90% of women, 86.7% developed NB and 82.8% had mild VAD. TGWG above/below the recommended range was related to the low serum concentrations of β-carotene (p = 0.045) in the second trimester and women with TGWG above the recommended range showed 100% of inadequacy of this nutrient in the third trimester. Among the pregnant women with anemia, 90.9% had VAD and 86.4% had NB. This study highlights the importance of monitoring the nutritional status of vitamin A in prenatal care, due to its relationship with TGWG and the high percentage of VAD and NB found since the beginning of pregnancy. It also reaffirms the use of the cut-off <1.05 μmol/L for determining VAD.

Subclinical Decrease in Myocardial Function in Asymptomatic Infants of Diabetic Mothers: A Tissue Doppler Study

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are recognized to have impaired myocardial performance, but less is known about ventricular function in IDMs without hypertrophy. We hypothesized that in asymptomatic newborns with normal two-dimensional echocardiographic evaluations, pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) would suggest a subclinical decrease in the cardiac function of IDMs compared to infants of non-diabetics (nIDMs). This is a retrospective cohort study of asymptomatic neonates ≥36 weeks gestation, at 0-7 days of life, with normal standard echocardiograms. Systolic (S'), early diastolic (E'), and late diastolic (A') TDI velocities were measured at the mitral valve (MV) annulus, basal interventricular septum (IVS), and tricuspid valve (TV) annulus, and averaged from three consecutive cardiac cycles. Demographic, perinatal, and echocardiographic variables were compared between IDM and nIDM groups. Of 631 subjects, 75 IDMs were identified. The mean gestational age of the entire cohort was 39.33 weeks (±1.26), birth weight 3.44 kg (±0.56), and body surface area (BSA) 0.21 m² (±0.02). IDMs had significantly greater birth weight and BSA, lower gestational age, older maternal age, and higher incidence of maternal obesity and hypertension than nIDMs (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, IDMs had significantly lower S' (p ≤ 0.03) and E' (p < 0.001) velocities, and higher E/E' ratios (p < 0.001) at the MV, IVS, and TV than nIDMs. In asymptomatic newborn IDMs without cardiac hypertrophy, pulsed wave TDI suggests a subclinical decrease in systolic and diastolic myocardial function compared to nIDMs.