Gestational weight gain and subsequent postpartum weight loss among young, low-income, ethnic minority women

Effect of mode of delivery on postpartum weight retention: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Retention of weight gained over pregnancy increases the risk of long-term obesity and related health concerns. While many risk factors for this postpartum weight retention have been examined, the role of mode of delivery in this relationship remains controversial. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of mode of delivery on postpartum weight retention.

METHODS

Ten electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan-Fang database, the VIP database and China Biology Medicine Database (CBM) were searched from inception through November 2022. Review Manager 5.4 was used to pool the study data and calculate effect sizes. For dichotomous data, the odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval were used to report the results. For continuous data, the mean difference (MD) and 95 % confidence interval were used to report the results. The outcomes were the amount of postpartum weight retention and the number or proportion of women who experienced postpartum weight retention. The Newcastle- Ottawa Scale (NOS) and GRADE Guidelines were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.

FINDINGS

A total of 16 articles were included in the systematic review and 13 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the mode of delivery had a significant effect on postpartum weight retention, women who delivered by caesarean section were more likely to experience postpartum weight retention compared to those who delivered vaginally. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were stable and credible.

CONCLUSION

Due to the limitations of this study, the findings need to be treated with caution. And, to better prevent the postpartum weight retention, future practice and research need to further focus on upstream modifiable factors.

How does gestational weight gain influence short- and long-term postpartum weight retention? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis provide an update of an earlier meta-analysis examining the impact of gestational weight gain (GWG) on postpartum weight retention (PPWR). Thirty-four observational studies were included, and results from 18 studies were combined in meta-analyses. We found that women with excessive GWG retained an additional 2.98 kg (95% CI: 0.59, 5.37 kg, I2  = 91%) at 0.5 years, 1.89 kg (95% CI: 0.90, 2.88 kg, I2  = 61%) at > 0.5-1 year and 2.89 kg (95% CI: 1.74, 4.04 kg, I 2  = 0%) at 2-4 years, compared to women who met the National Academy of Medicine GWG recommendations. Moreover, synthesis of confounder-adjusted regression coefficients showed that each 1 kg increase of GWG corresponded to 0.62 kg (95% CI: 0.22, 1.02 kg, I2  = 96%) additional PPWR at 6-9 months, 0.48 kg (95% CI: 0.14, 0.81 kg, I2  = 93%) at 1-3 years, and 0.31 kg (95% CI: -0.24, 0.86 kg, I2  = 89%) at 5-7 years postpartum. Findings suggest that higher GWG contributes to increased maternal body weight in the short- and long-term after childbirth, independent of prepregnancy body mass index. The heterogeneity of reported data and methodological differences across studies complicate the ability to synthesize data and interpret findings.

Association Between Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Perinatal Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Individuals With Overweight and Obesity

INTRODUCTION

Current research on the association between physical activity and perinatal depression is inconclusive. This study examined the association between objectively measured physical activity during pregnancy and perinatal depressive symptoms among individuals with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

Data came from the Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum study (N = 205). Physical activity was measured using the SenseWear Armband at 16 weeks' or fewer and 32 weeks' gestation and categorized into 1) never meeting 2018 physical activity guidelines, 2) meeting the guidelines at one time point, or 3) meeting the guidelines at both time points. Antenatal depressive symptoms were assessed at 32 weeks' gestation, and postpartum depressive symptoms were assessed at 6 and 12 months postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A score of 10 or higher was defined as probable at least minor depression (hereafter, probable depression).

RESULTS

Nearly one-half of the participants (45.4%) met physical activity guidelines both in early and late pregnancy. Pregnant individuals who met physical activity guidelines at one (adjusted odds ratio, 0.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.76) or both time points (adjusted odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.69) during pregnancy had lower odds of probable depression at 6 months postpartum than individuals who never met physical activity guidelines during pregnancy. No significant associations were found between prenatal physical activity and probable antenatal or postpartum depression at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Antenatal physical activity was associated with lower odds of probable depression at 6 months after childbirth. Physicians should use evidence-based strategies to encourage pregnant people, especially those who are at risk for postpartum depression, to meet physical activity guidelines.

Formative Development of ClockWork for the Postpartum Period: A Theory-Based Intervention to Harness the Circadian Timing System to Address Cardiometabolic Health-Related Behaviors

Individuals with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 before pregnancy have greater difficulty losing the weight gained during pregnancy, and this postpartum weight retention predicts higher risk for cardiometabolic disease. The postpartum period involves substantial disruptions in circadian rhythms, including rhythms related to eating, physical activity, sleep, and light/dark exposure, each of which are linked to obesity and cardiometabolic disease in non-pregnant adult humans and animals. We posit that a multi-component, circadian timing system-based behavioral intervention that uses digital tools-ClockWork-will be feasible and acceptable to postpartum individuals and help promote weight- and cardiometabolic health-related behaviors. We provide data from stakeholder interviews with postpartum individuals (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25; n = 7), which were conducted to obtain feedback on and improve the relevance and utility of digital self-monitoring tools for health behaviors and weight during the postpartum period. Participants perceived the ClockWork intervention and digital monitoring app to be helpful for management of postpartum weight-related health behaviors. They provided specific recommendations for increasing the feasibility intervention goals and improving app features for monitoring behaviors. Personalized, easily accessible interventions are needed to promote gestational weight loss after delivery; addressing circadian behaviors is an essential component of such interventions. Future studies will evaluate the efficacy of the ClockWork intervention and associated digital tools for improving cardiometabolic health-related behaviors linked to the circadian timing system during the postpartum period.

Racial and ethnic disparities in postpartum weight retention: A narrative review mapping the literature to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

A Review of the Literature Using the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework to Create a Roadmap of the Studies Investigating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Excess Weight Retained After Pregnancy.

WHY WAS THIS STUDY DONE?

Three out of four people who give birth retain excess weight at 1-year post-pregnancy. This is concerning, as weight that is retained following pregnancy is associated with increased risk for the development of disease. People from racial and ethnic minority groups experience weight retention more frequently post-pregnancy. Black and Hispanic/Latina/o/x birthing people are more likely to begin pregnancy overweight or obese. They are also more likely to retain excess weight following pregnancy. Investigating these risks in people from racially/ethnically diverse backgrounds may be an important way to address disparities in excess weight retained post-pregnancy.

WHAT DID THE RESEARCHERS DO?

This review of the literature used a tool called the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework to map the literature to date on racial and ethnic disparities in excess weight retained post-pregnancy.

WHAT DID THE RESEARCHERS FIND?

We used the NIMHD Research Framework as a visual guide of the existing research about excess weight retained following pregnancy. Results illustrate the levels and domains at which research has been investigated. These results reveal that efforts have been focused at the individual level, with most attention given to diet and activity. Mapping the literature to the NIMHD Research Framework sheds light on gaps in the research.

WHAT DO THE FINDINGS MEAN?

Mapping the literature has revealed a need for investigations that make connections between the levels and domains of the Framework, so that we may understand underlying factors that contribute to health disparities.

Acceptability and feasibility of a planned preconception weight loss intervention in women with long-acting reversible contraception: the Plan-it mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Women with overweight (a body mass index of ≥ 25 kg/m²) or obesity (a body mass index of ≥ 30 kg/m²) are at greater risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy and labour than women with a healthy weight. Women who remove their long-acting reversible contraception (i.e. coils or implants) are one of the few groups of people who contact services as part of their preparation for conception, creating an opportunity to offer a weight loss intervention.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to understand if routine NHS data captured the pathway from long-acting reversible contraception removal to pregnancy and included body mass index; to identify the suitable components of a preconception weight loss intervention; and to engage with key stakeholders to determine the acceptability and feasibility of asking women with overweight/obesity to delay the removal of their long-acting reversible contraception in order to take part in a preconception weight loss intervention.

DESIGN

This was a preparatory mixed-methods study, assessing the acceptability and feasibility of a potential intervention, using routine NHS data and purposefully collected qualitative data.

PARTICIPANTS

The NHS routine data included all women with a long-acting reversible contraception code. There were three groups of participants in the surveys and interviews: health-care practitioners who remove long-acting reversible contraception; weight management consultants; and women of reproductive age with experience of overweight/obesity and of using long-acting reversible contraception.

SETTING

UK-based health-care practitioners recruited at professional meetings; and weight management consultants and contraceptive users recruited via social media.

DATA SOURCES

Anonymised routine data from UK sexual health clinics and the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, including the Pregnancy Register; and online surveys and qualitative interviews with stakeholders.

RESULTS

The records of 2,632,871 women aged 16-48 years showed that 318,040 had at least one long-acting reversible contraception event, with 62% of records including a body mass index. Given the identified limitations of the routine NHS data sets, it would not be feasible to reliably identify women with overweight/obesity who request a long-acting reversible contraception removal with an intention to become pregnant. Online surveys were completed by 100 health-care practitioners, four weight management consultants and 243 contraceptive users. Ten health-care practitioners and 20 long-acting reversible contraception users completed qualitative interviews. A realist-informed approach generated a hypothesised programme theory. The combination of weight discussions and the delay of long-acting reversible contraception removal was unacceptable as an intervention to contraceptive users for ethical and practical reasons. However, a preconception health intervention incorporating weight loss could be acceptable, and one potential programme is outlined.

LIMITATIONS

There was very limited engagement with weight management consultants, and the sample of participating stakeholders may not be representative.

CONCLUSIONS

An intervention that asks women to delay long-acting reversible contraception removal to participate in a preconception weight loss intervention would be neither feasible nor acceptable. A preconception health programme, including weight management, would be welcomed but requires risk communication training of health-care practitioners.

FUTURE WORK

Work to improve routine data sets, increase awareness of the importance of preconception health and overcome health-care practitioner barriers to discussing weight as part of preconception care is a priority.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered as ISRCTN14733020.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 1.

Improving Maternal Cardiovascular Health in Underserved Populations: a Narrative Review of Behavioral Intervention Trials Targeting Postpartum Weight Retention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Racial/ethnic minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals experience greater postpartum weight retention, which has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease. This article reviews recent literature on behavioral interventions targeting postpartum weight retention in these populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Seven randomized controlled trials published since 2010 were selected for this review. Four were successful in reducing or preventing postpartum weight retention. Recruitment primarily occurred in low-income urban areas. All interventions reported using the Social Cognitive Theory and targeted mostly individual-level behavior change focused on diet and physical activity. Four were technology-based, and most implemented strategies to increase cultural relevance of the intervention. Opportunities for future interventions include expand target population to enroll individuals starting in pregnancy and address rural populations; incorporate empirically tested retention strategies; increase focus on psychosocial factors, particularly chronic stress; utilize multilevel approaches; continue to leverage technology; and maximize efforts to increase cultural relevancy.

Grocery Delivery to Support Healthy Weight Gain Among Pregnant Young Women With Low Income: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with complications for both the mother and her infant including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, operative delivery, and long-term obesity. A healthy diet during pregnancy promotes healthy gestational weight gain and determines fetal epigenetic programming in infants that impacts risk for future chronic disease.

OBJECTIVE

This project will examine the impact of grocery delivery during pregnancy on the weight, diet, and health outcomes of young pregnant women and their infants.

METHODS

A three-arm randomized controlled trial design will be performed. A total of 855 young pregnant women, aged 14-24 years, from across the state of Michigan will be enrolled and randomized equally into the three study arms. Participants in arm one (control) will receive usual care from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); arm two will receive WIC plus biweekly grocery delivery; and arm three will receive WIC plus biweekly grocery and unsweetened beverage delivery. Weight will be assessed weekly during pregnancy, and total pregnancy weight gain will be categorized as above, below, or within guidelines. Additionally, dietary intake will be assessed at three time points (baseline, second trimester, and third trimester), and pregnancy outcomes will be extracted from medical records. The appropriateness of pregnancy weight gain, diet quality, and occurrence of poor outcomes will be compared between groups using standard practices for multinomial regression and confounder adjustment.

RESULTS

This study was funded in April 2021, data collection started in December 2021, and data collection is expected to be concluded in 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will test whether grocery delivery of healthy foods improves weight, diet, and pregnancy outcomes of young moms with low income. The findings will inform policies and practices that promote a healthy diet during pregnancy, which has multigenerational impacts on health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05000645; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05000645.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/40568.

The impact of obesity-related neuroinflammation on postpartum depression: A narrative review

Obesity is currently one of the most serious health problems, affecting 13% of the world's adult population. Obesity is characterized by persistent low-grade chronic inflammation that assumes systemic proportions and triggers several associated metabolic diseases. Furthermore, obesity has been associated with an increased occurrence of central disorders such as impaired cognitive function, reward system dysfunction, and depression. In summary, there is a quantitative reduction in the release of neurotransmitters in depression. Postsynaptic cells capture lower concentrations of neurotransmitters, which leads to a functional reduction in the central nervous system (CNS). Globally, approximately 15-65% of women experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy, depending on their location. Depressive symptoms persist in some women, leading to postpartum depression (PPD). Thus, obesity may be considered a risk factor for PPD development. This study aimed to synthesize studies on the impact of obesity-related neuroinflammation and PPD. We conducted a narrative review of the relevant literature. The search was performed in electronic databases, specifically PubMed, selecting articles in English published from 2014 to 2021 using the narrative review methodology.

Remote gestational weight gain monitoring in a large low‐risk US population

Background

Over the past decade there have been rapid advancements in telemedicine and mobile health technology (mHealth) and rapid increases in adoption of these technologies among OB‐GYN providers. Mobile technology is routinely used in the general adult population to simplify monitoring of food intake and weight. Studies have demonstrated that weight loss achieved via remote monitoring, through use of wi‐fi scales and web applications, is similar to weight loss achieved with in‐person support. These technologies also increase flexibility for subjects and providers. However, there has been limited large‐scale research to evaluate the use of these technologies to improve adherence to weight‐gain recommendations during pregnancy.

Objectives

To evaluate gestational weight gain tracking in a large low‐risk obstetrical population using remote patient monitoring and a mobile phone app.

Methods

Self‐reported age, height, estimated due date, and weight data were extracted from low‐risk, singleton pregnancies entered from 50,769 participants who were enrolled in the BabyScripts^TM phone app between 1 January 2016 and 1 March 2020. After data cleaning, 15,468 participants were included the final analysis. Linear regression and Spearman's correlation were used to examine the relationships between total weight gain, rate of weight gain, body mass index (BMI), postpartum weight loss, and app engagement.

Results

The average weight gain in the first, second, and third trimester were 0.09 ± 1.8 kg, 4.2 ± 3.3 kg, and 3.9 ± 3.9 kg, respectively. The average rate of weight gain per week for the second and third trimesters were 0.5 ± 0.4 kg/wk and 0.6 ± 0.8 kg/wk, respectively. Participants with higher initial BMI had slower rate of weight gain than those with lower initial BMI (r = −0.24, r = −0.05, for second and third trimester, respectively). Overall, 21.4% of participants met the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) recommendation for total weight gain during pregnancy. Patients who were highly engaged with the mobile app had increased adherence to the IOM guidelines (29.8% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). A larger proportion of highly engaged patients adhered to the IOM guidelines for rate of weight gain in the second and third trimester, compared to the lowest engaged patients (12.7% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001). On average, participants lost 8.8 ± 3.3 kg over an average of 8.1 ± 4.6 weeks in the immediate postpartum period. This weight loss was positively associated with engagement (r = 0.3, p < 0.001).

Comments

Engagement with the mobile app was associated with increased adherence to the IOM gestational weight gain guidelines and with increased postpartum weight loss. Use of remote patient monitoring in conjunction with mHealth technology may be a strategy to improve adherence to IOM guidelines.

Associations between infant growth and pubertal onset timing in a multiethnic prospective cohort of girls

Background

Early puberty increases risk of adverse health conditions throughout the life course. US girls are experiencing earlier puberty without clear reasons. Studies suggest early life factors, such as infant growth, may influence pubertal timing. We assessed the associations between infant growth and onset of breast development (thelarche), pubic hair development (pubarche), and menarche in girls.

Methods

A prospective cohort of girls born at a Kaiser Permanente Northern California medical facility in 2005–11 was used. Weight-for-age z-scores were calculated at birth and 24 months. Difference in z-scores greater than 0.67 represent rapid “catch-up” growth, less than -0.67 represent delayed “catch-down” growth, and between -0.67 and 0.67 represent “normal” growth. Pubertal onset was measured using clinician-assessed sexual maturity ratings (SMRs) and defined as the age at transition from SMR 1 to SMR 2 + for both thelarche and pubarche. SMR data was collected through June 2020. Menarche was analyzed as a secondary outcome. Weibull and modified Poisson regression models were used. Models were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

There were 15,196 girls included in the study. Approximately 30.2% experienced catch-up growth, 25.8% experienced catch-down growth, and 44% had normal growth. Girls with catch-up growth had increased risk of earlier thelarche (hazard ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 1.35), pubarche (1.38, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.48), and menarche (< 12y, relative risk = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.69) compared to those with normal growth, after adjusting for covariates. These associations were partially mediated by childhood body mass index. Catch-down growth was associated with later pubertal onset.

Conclusions

Girls who experience infant catch-up growth have higher risk of earlier pubertal development compared to girls with normal growth and the associations are partially explained by childhood obesity. This information may help clinicians to monitor girls who are at high risk of developing earlier.

Disordered Eating Behaviors Are Associated with Gestational Weight Gain in Adolescents

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) and adolescent pregnancy are public health problems. Among adolescents, there is little evidence concerning the relationship of DEB with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the birth weight and length of their offspring. We aimed to determine the association between DEB with GWG and the weight and length of adolescents’ offspring. We conducted a study with 379 participants. To evaluate DEB, we applied a validated scale. We identified three factors from DEB by factorial analysis: restrictive, compensatory, and binge–purge behaviors. The main events were GWG and offspring’s birth weight and length. We performed linear regression models. We found that 50% of adolescents have at least one DEB. Excessive and insufficient GWG were 37 and 34%, respectively. The median GWG was 13 kg; adolescents with restrictive behaviors had higher GWG (13 vs. 12 kg, p = 0.023). After adjusting for pregestational body mass index and other covariables, the restrictive (β = 0.67, p = 0.039), compensatory (β = 0.65, p = 0.044), and binge–purge behaviors (β = 0.54, p = 0.013) were associated with higher GWG. We did not find an association between the birth weight and length of newborns with DEB, and suggest that DEB is associated with GWG but not with the birth weight or length of the offspring.

Factors associated with early gestational weight gain among women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity

The present study aimed to document the prevalence of and identify factors associated with excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in early pregnancy among women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity. Women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (n = 247) were recruited between 12 and 20 weeks of gestation and completed questionnaires and were weighed to estimate early GWG. Nearly one-third of women met (17%, n = 42) or exceeded (13%, n = 33) guidelines for total GWG in early pregnancy. Univariate analyses showed race, income, and pre-pregnancy weight status to be significantly related to GWG category in early pregnancy (p < .009). Only race and pre-pregnancy weight status remained significant in a multivariate model, with Black women and women with pre-pregnancy obesity having higher odds of having met or exceeded guidelines for total GWG in early pregnancy compared with White women and women with pre-pregnancy overweight (p < .04). These findings highlight the need for early intervention to reduce weight-related complications among pregnant women.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity who gain excessive gestational weight early in pregnancy are at unique risk for pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes.What do the results of this study add? The present study adds to a growing body of literature documenting that a notable amount of women are gaining excessive gestational weight early in pregnancy. The present study further documents that Black women and women with pre-pregnancy obesity are at particular risk of gaining excessive gestational weight early in pregnancy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Additional work examining modifiable risk factors, particularly among Black women and women with pre-pregnancy obesity, that contribute to excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in the first half of pregnancy is warranted and will be necessary to inform interventions aimed at promoting weight loss during the preconception and interconception periods or encouraging appropriate GWG across the entire course of pregnancy.

Postpartum Weight Retention: A Retrospective Data Analysis Measuring Weight Loss and Program Engagement with a Mobile Health Program

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technology can circumvent barriers to participation in weight loss programs faced by new mothers. The objective of this study was to assess weight change and program engagement in postpartum women (n = 130) participating in a 24-week behavior change mHealth weight-loss intervention. Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited through a program offered on a commercial mHealth application that provided evidence-based lifestyle interventions. To meet inclusion criteria, women had to be 18-45 years of age, and given birth within 2 years before the start of the study. Participants signed up for the Noom Healthy Weight program between January and March of 2019 and were offered the program free of charge. Linear mixed models were conducted; the primary outcome was weight change from baseline at 16 and 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were program engagement and their relationship with completion status. Results: Results showed that time was a significant predictor of weight at week 16 [t(-3.94) = -9.40; p < 0.001] and week 24 [t(-4.08) = -9.74; p < 0.001]; users lost 3.94 kgs at week 16 and 4.08 kgs at week 24, compared with baseline. In addition, body mass index significantly decreased at week 24 [t(112) = 7.33, p < 0.0001] with the majority of participants (80%) experiencing reductions by more than 2 units. On average, subjects who completed the program (completers) lost more weight compared with those who did not complete the program [t(-5.09) = -2.94; p = 0.004], losing 5.09 kgs (95% CI -8.48 to -1.69) throughout the 24 weeks. Conclusion: This cohort study shows that a uniquely mobile, behavior change intervention for weight management is effective at producing significant weight loss with potential to address postpartum weight retention.

Effects of Breastfeeding on Maternal Body Composition in Moroccan Lactating Women during Twelve Months after Birth Using Stable Isotopic Dilution Technique

BACKGROUND

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of an infant's life is an important factor for their optimal growth and health. Breastfeeding also has maternal benefits and can assist with postpartum weight loss. As shown by previous studies, postpartum weight retention can contribute to obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the human milk and evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on maternal weight loss during the 12 months postpartum.

METHOD

This study included 70-mother-baby pairs. Infants' intake of human milk and water from other sources, as well as the body composition of the mothers, were measured at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month postpartum by using the deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique.

RESULTS

There was a significant change in the mothers' body composition between the first and twelfth months in exclusive breastfeeding women compared to not-exclusive ones. Similarly, the difference between the quantities of human milk intake was highly significant in exclusive breastfeeding women compared to women who were not exclusively breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that exclusive breastfeeding for twelve months has a significant effect on postpartum weight loss among Moroccan women and that it is an effective way to control overweight and obesity among lactating women.

The Relationship between Fetal Abdominal Wall Thickness and Intrapartum Complications amongst Mothers with Pregestational Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the utility of fetal abdominal wall thickness (AWT) for predicting intrapartum complications amongst mothers with pregestational type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a historical cohort study of pregnant mothers with pregestational type 2 diabetes delivering at a Canadian tertiary-care center between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. Delivery records were reviewed to collect information about demographics and peripartum complications. Stored fetal ultrasound images from 36 weeks' gestation were reviewed to collect fetal biometry and postprocessing measurement of AWT performed in a standardized fashion by 2 blinded and independent observers. The relationship between fetal AWT was then correlated with risk of intrapartum complications including emergency Caesarean section (CS) and shoulder dystocia.

RESULTS

216 pregnant women with type 2 diabetes had planned vaginal deliveries and were eligible for inclusion. Mean maternal age was 31.3 years, and almost all were overweight or obese at the time of delivery (96.8%). Overall, the incidence of shoulder dystocia and emergency intrapartum CS was 7.4% and 17.6%, respectively. There was no difference in mean fetal AWT between those having a spontaneous vaginal delivery (8.2 mm (95% CI 7.9-8.5)) and those needing emergency intrapartum CS (8.1 mm (95% CI 7.4-8.8); p = 0.71) or shoulder dystocia (8.7 mm (95% CI 7.9-9.5); p = 0.23). There was strong interobserver correlation of AWT measurements (r = 0.838; p < 0.00001). The strongest association with intrapartum complications was birthweight (p = 0.003): with birthweight > 4000 grams, the relative risk of shoulder dystocia or CS is 2.75 (95% CI 1.74-4.36; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no obvious benefit of AWT measurement at 36 weeks for predicting shoulder dystocia or intrapartum CS amongst women with type 2 diabetes in our population. The strongest predictor of intrapartum complications remained birthweight, and so studies for improving estimation of fetal weight and evaluating the role of intrapartum ultrasound for predicting risk of delivery complications are still needed.

Maternal Characteristics that Impact Postpartum Weight Retention: Results from the 2016 Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify maternal characteristics associated with 24-month postpartum weight retention.

METHODS

Data were collected from the 2016 Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) Follow-Up Survey, a population-based prospective cohort study that assesses maternal and infant health in Los Angeles County. In 2014, LAMB initially surveyed 6035 women 6 months following a live birth. The 2016 LAMB Follow-Up reevaluated this same cohort after the index child's second birthday. 2679 women completed 2016 LAMB Follow-Up (52% adjusted response rate). The final sample size was 1524 after excluding subjects with subsequent pregnancies after the index child and missing information for postpartum weight. Eight predictors were included in this analysis: gestational weight gain, pre-pregnancy BMI, exercise, depressed mood since having child, age, race, education, and job loss during pregnancy. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed using SAS 9.3.

RESULTS

Two years after delivery, women with postpartum weight retention weighed on average of 15.3 lb. more than before the index pregnancy. Women were more likely to retain postpartum weight when they exceeded gestational weight gain guidelines (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.40-2.93), did not exercise (AOR = 3.32, CI = 1.85-5.98), were between ages 20-29 (AOR = 1.54, CI = 1.01-2.36), were Hispanic (AOR = 1.51, CI = 1.02-2.24), completed high school only (AOR = 1.77, CI = 1.15-2.73), or lost a job during pregnancy (AOR = 2.62, CI = 1.39-4.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Modifiable risk factors and sociodemographic characteristics can impact maternal weight retention 24 months after pregnancy. Understanding postpartum weight retention is essential for guiding future public health research, programming, and policy. Tailoring appropriate public health interventions may help women sustain healthy weight during their reproductive years and beyond.

Postpartum Weight Retention and Its Determinants in Lebanon and Qatar: Results of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Assessment (MINA) Cohort

Excessive Postpartum Weight Retention (PWR) is postulated to increase the risk of adverse health outcomes for mothers and offspring. Using data from the Mother and Infant Nutritional Assessment (MINA) cohort in Lebanon and Qatar, this study aimed to examine PWR and its determinants at 6 months after delivery. Pregnant women (n = 183) were recruited during their first trimester and were followed up through pregnancy and after delivery. During this period, face-to-face interviews as well as extraction from medical charts were conducted to collect data regarding the socioeconomic, anthropometric and dietary intake of participants. The mean PWR (kg) among participants was 3.1 ± 5.6 at delivery, and 3.3 ± 5.3 and 2.7 ± 4.7 at 4 and 6 months after delivery, respectively. Results of the multiple logistic regression analyses showed that a Qatari nationality and excessive GWG were associated with higher odds of a high PWR (above median) while an insufficient GWG had lower odds. After adjustment for energy, participants with a high PWR reported a greater intake of proteins, Trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and lower intakes of mono and polyunsaturated fat as compared to those with a low PWR (below median). These findings suggested priority areas for interventions to prevent excessive PWR amongst women of childbearing age in Lebanon and Qatar.

Pregnancy-Related Weight and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Do the Relationships Differ by Race/Ethnicity?

Background: There are significant racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of postpartum depression. Prior research in the general population suggests that weight status is related to depression and that this relationship varies by race/ethnicity. However, few studies have investigated whether race/ethnicity moderates the relationship between pregnancy-related weight and postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS). The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related weight and maternal PPDS overall and by race/ethnicity. Materials and Methods: This study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (n ≈ 6950). Ordinary least-squares and logistic regression was used to examine whether pregnancy-related weight, including preconception weight status and gestational weight gain (GWG), was associated with PPDS measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Stratified analyses were used to assess whether these relationships varied by race/ethnicity. Results: Preconception obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m²) was associated with higher levels of PPDS (β = 0.601, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.149-1.053). GWG adequacy was not associated with PPDS. Among non-Hispanic (NH) whites, preconception obesity was positively associated with PPDS (β = 1.016, 95% CI, 0.448-1.584). In contrast, among Hispanics, preconception overweight (25 kg/m² ≤ BMI <30 kg/m²) was associated with lower levels of PPDS (β = -0.887, 95% CI, -1.580 to -0.195). There were no statistically significant relationships between pregnancy-related weight and PPDS among NH black or Asian women, but both groups were significantly more likely than NH whites to report PPDS. Conclusion: Whether and how pregnancy-related weight is associated with PPDS varies by race/ethnicity. Addressing preconception weight could help reduce overall levels of PPDS among NH whites but would likely fail to mitigate racial/ethnic disparities in postpartum mental health.

Documenting and characterising gestational weight gain beliefs and experiences among Marshallese pregnant women in Arkansas: a protocol for a longitudinal mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION

Arkansas has the largest population of Marshallese Pacific Islanders residing in the continental USA. The Marshallese have higher rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, pre-term births, low birthweight babies, infant mortality, and inadequate or no prenatal care. Despite the high rates of cardiometabolic and maternal and child health disparities among Marshallese, there are no studies documenting gestational weight gain or perceptions about gestational weight gain among the Marshallese population residing in the USA.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This paper describes the protocol of a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation longitudinal study designed to understand gestational weight gain in Marshallese women. The mixed-methods design collects qualitative and quantitative data during simultaneous data collection events, at both first and third trimester, and then augments that data with postpartum data abstraction. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed separately and then synthesised during the interpretation phase.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study used a community engaged approach approved by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Institutional Review Board (#228023). The research team will disseminate results to study participants, research stakeholders (clinics, faith-based organisations and community-based organisation), the broader Marshallese community and fellow researchers. Results will be disseminated to study participants through a one-page summary that show the aggregated research results using plain language and infographics.

Secular trends in postpartum weight retention from 2003 to 2012: a nationwide, population-based, retrospective, longitudinal study in South Korea

OBJECTIVE

To assess the secular trends in postpartum weight retention (PWR) over a decade with the population-based risk factors.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A national health screening examination data provided by the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

130 551 women who delivered babies between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2012 and who underwent a national health screening examination 1 to 2 years prior to delivery and within 1 year after delivery.

METHODS

Their PWR were determined during the study period of 2003-2012. We fitted logistic regression and linear mixed models to assess the independent contribution of PWR to obesity after adjusting for potential confounders.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Prepregnancy and postpartum weight and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

The adjusted PWR increased from mean value of 2.02 kg in 2003 (95% CI 1.88 to 2.15) to 2.79 kg in 2012 (95% CI 2.73 to 2.84) (p value for trend <0.01), after adjusting potential confounders including age, prepregnancy time, postpartum time, prepregnancy BMI, income and smoking status. The risk for a PWR of more than 5 kg also increased over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Secular increases in PWR have been significantly observed between 2003 and 2012 for childbearing women. It is necessary to identify risk factors contributing to the observed increase and develop effective strategies to address the heightened risk for PWR.

Maternal obesity and its determinants: A neglected issue?

Maternal obesity is a global public health concern that affects every aspect of maternity care. It affects the short-term and long-term health of the mother and her offspring. Obese pregnant mothers are at an increased risk of developing complications during antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods. Maternal complications include gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, increased rate of cesarean delivery, pulmonary embolism, and maternal mortality; fetal complications include congenital malformation, stillbirth, and macrosomia. Moreover, both mother and infant are at an increased risk of developing subsequent non-communicable diseases and cardiovascular problems later in life. Several factors are associated with the likelihood of maternal obesity, including sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric characteristics, knowledge, and perception of health-promoting behavior. Gaining a sound understanding of these factors is vital to reaching the targets of Sustainable Developmental Goal 3-to reduce global maternal mortality and end preventable deaths of children under 5 years of age-by 2030. It is essential to identify pregnant women who are at risk of maternal obesity in order to plan and implement effective and timely interventions for optimal pregnancy outcomes. Importantly, maternal obesity as a significant pregnancy risk factor is largely modifiable.

Lifestyle information and access to a commercial weight management group to promote maternal postnatal weight management and positive lifestyle behaviour: the SWAN feasibility RCT

Background

Increasing numbers of UK women have overweight or obese body mass index scores when they become pregnant, or gain excessive weight in pregnancy, increasing their risk of adverse outcomes. Failure to manage postnatal weight is linked to smoking, non-healthy dietary choices, lack of regular exercise and poorer longer-term health. Women living in areas of higher social deprivation are more likely to experience weight management problems postnatally.

Objectives

The objectives were to assess the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle information and access to a commercial weight management group focusing on self-monitoring, goal-setting and motivation to achieve dietary change commencing 8–16 weeks postnatally to achieve and maintain weight management and positive lifestyle behaviour.

Design

The design was a randomised two-arm feasibility trial with a nested mixed-methods process evaluation.

Setting

The setting was a single centre in an inner city setting in the south of England.

Participants

Participants were women with body mass index scores of > 25 kg/m2 at antenatal ‘booking’ and women with normal body mass index scores (18.0–24.9 kg/m2) at antenatal booking who developed excessive gestational weight gain as assessed at 36 weeks’ gestation.

Main outcome measures

Recruitment, retention, acceptability of trial processes and identification of relevant economic data were the feasibility objectives. The proposed primary outcome was difference between groups in weight at 12 months postnatally, expressed as percentage weight change and weight loss from antenatal booking. Other proposed outcomes included assessment of diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, body image, maternal esteem, mental health, infant feeding and NHS costs.

Results

Most objectives were achieved. A total of 193 women were recruited, 98 allocated to the intervention arm and 95 to the control arm. High follow-up rates (> 80%) were achieved to 12 months. There was an 8.8% difference in weight loss at 12 months between women allocated to the intervention arm and women allocated to the control arm (13.0% vs. 4.2%, respectively; p = 0.062); 47% of women in the intervention arm attended at least one weight management session, with low risk of contamination between arms. The greatest benefit was among women who attended ≥ 10 sessions. Barriers to attending sessions included capability, opportunity and motivation issues. Data collection tools were appropriate to support economic evaluation in a definitive trial, and economic modelling is feasible to quantify resource impacts and outcomes not directly measurable within a trial.

Limitations

The trial recruited from only one site. It was not possible to recruit women with normal body mass index scores who developed excessive pregnancy weight gain.

Conclusions

It was feasible to recruit and retain women with overweight or obese body mass index scores at antenatal booking to a trial comparing postnatal weight management plus standard care with standard care only and collect relevant data to assess outcomes. Approaches to recruit women with normal body mass index scores who gain excessive gestational weight need to be considered. Commercial weight management groups could support women’s weight management as assessed at 12 months postnatally, with probable greater benefit from attending ≥ 10 sessions. Process evaluation findings highlighted the importance of providing more information about the intervention on trial allocation, extended duration of time to commence sessions following birth and extended number of sessions offered to enhance uptake and retention. Results support the conduct of a future randomised controlled trial.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN39186148.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 8, No. 9. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals During Pregnancy Is Associated with Weight Change Through 1 Year Postpartum Among Women in the Early-Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants Project

Background: The postpartum period may be a vulnerable life stage for a woman's cardiometabolic health. We examined associations of exposure to common endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy with weight from delivery through 1 year postpartum among 199 women in Mexico City. Materials and Methods: During each trimester of pregnancy, we collected a urine sample to assay bisphenol A (BPA), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-3-carboxypropyl phthalate (MCPP), mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP), and monoethyl phthalate (MEP). We calculated summary scores for di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites (ΣDEHP) and dibutyl phthalate metabolites (ΣDBP). We calculated the geometric mean of each EDC across pregnancy for use in the analysis. At delivery and three additional times during the first year postpartum, we measured the women's weight. We used mixed-effects linear regression models to estimate associations of each EDC with weight at delivery (kg) and weight change (kg/year) from delivery through 1 year postpartum. Covariates included urinary specific gravity, maternal age, parity, height, first trimester body mass index, and gestational age at enrollment. Results: Mean ± standard deviation weight change during the first postpartum year was -0.49 ± 4.04 kg. The EDCs were inversely associated with weight at delivery, but positively associated with weight change through 1 year postpartum. For example, each interquartile range of urinary ΣDEHP corresponded with 1.38 (95% confidence interval: 0.44-2.33) kg lower weight at delivery and 1.01 (0.41--1.61) kg/year slower rate of weight loss. We observed similar associations for other EDCs. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to EDCs is associated with lower weight at delivery, but slower rate of weight loss through the first postpartum year.

"Baby Wants Tacos": Analysis of Health-Related Facebook Posts from Young Pregnant Women

Objectives Pregnant young women gain more weight than recommended by the National Academy of Medicine, increasing the likelihood of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to use online social media to understand beliefs and practices surrounding weight gain, diet and exercise during pregnancy among young women. Methods Facebook posts were mined from young women ages 16 to 24 during pregnancy who were consented from two Midwest primary care clinics serving low-income communities. Natural language processing was used to identify posts related to weight gain, exercise and diet by keyword searching. Two investigators iteratively coded the mined posts and identified major themes around health behaviors. Outcome measures included the frequency of posts and major themes regarding health behaviors during pregnancy. Results Participants (n = 43) had a mean age of 21 (SD 2.3), and the largest subgroups identified as black (49%; 26% white, 16% Hispanic, 9% other) and having graduated from high school (49%; 24% completed some high school and 24% completed at least some post-secondary education). Among the 2899 pregnancy posts analyzed, 311 were related to weight. Major themes included eating behaviors and cravings (58% of identified posts), body image (24%), the influence of family, partners and friends (14%), and the desire to exercise (4%). Conclusions for practice Facebook posts revealed that young women often frame their thoughts and feelings regarding weight gain in pregnancy in the context of food cravings and body image and that friends and family are important influencers to these behaviors.

Design of a novel digital intervention to promote healthy weight management among postpartum African American women

BACKGROUND

Excess weight retention among postpartum women is a risk factor for long term obesity, and African American women are at heightened risk. New solutions, including digital technologies and community-based approaches are needed. Digital platforms, like social media, provide opportunity for participant co-creation (i.e., content co-generated by users and investigators) of health messages and may allow for adaptation of evidence-based weight management interventions to reduce participant burden. The BeFAB intervention, a branded, digital weight management program, tests this hypothesis.

METHODS

BeFAB content comprises culturally-specific nutrition, physical activity, stress management, health information seeking and related weight management messages and content designed for African American women. The intervention is 12 weeks in duration, delivered through a mobile phone app, and is designed to target specific behavioral predictor beliefs and attitudinal measures (e.g., self-efficacy to achieve weight management goals) based on the culturally-specific content. Use of personal, culturally-specific video-based narratives in the app, and through a secret Facebook group, are included to help model HEAL behaviors and brand BeFAB. Intervention development consisted of iterative formative research steps to engage African American women. The program will be evaluated in a small randomized trial among patients recruited at a clinical facility.

CONCLUSIONS

BeFAB applies evidence-based content using a promising digital approach. It is novel in its use of branding, culturally-tailored content, and digital technology for behavior change.Evaluation of BeFAB will contribute to the growing literature on digital health behavior change interventions for weight management.

Delivering a Post-Partum Weight Loss Intervention via Facebook or In-Person Groups: Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND

Postpartum weight retention contributes to long-term weight gain and obesity for many women. Lifestyle interventions with numerous visits are logistically challenging for many postpartum women. Delivering a lifestyle intervention via social media may overcome logistic challenges to participation in in-person weight loss programs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized feasibility pilot trial of a 6-month postpartum weight loss intervention delivered via Facebook or in-person groups with 72 postpartum women with overweight or obesity.

METHODS

Women with overweight or obesity who are 8 weeks to 12 months postpartum (N=72) will be recruited from the Hartford, Connecticut community. Eligible participants must also own an iPhone or Android smartphone and be an active Facebook user. Participants will receive a 6-month postpartum weight loss intervention based on the Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention and adapted for postpartum women. Participants will be randomized to receive the intervention via a private Facebook group or in-person group meetings. Assessments will occur at baseline, weekly during the intervention, at 6 months (at the end of the intervention), and at 12 months. Primary feasibility outcomes are recruitment, sustained participation, contamination, retention, and feasibility of assessment procedures including measurement of costs to deliver and receive the intervention. We will describe 6- and 12-month weight loss as an exploratory outcome.

RESULTS

Recruitment began in September 2018. The first wave of the intervention began in February 2019, and the second wave of the intervention is expected to begin in fall 2019. We anticipate completing follow-up assessments in fall 2020, and results will be analyzed at that time.

CONCLUSIONS

Results will inform the design of a large randomized controlled trial to assess whether delivering a postpartum weight loss intervention via Facebook is noninferior for weight loss and more cost-effective than delivering the intervention via traditional in-person groups.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/15530.

Protocol for a two-arm feasibility RCT to support postnatal maternal weight management and positive lifestyle behaviour in women from an ethnically diverse inner city population: the SWAN feasibility trial

Introduction

A high BMI during and after pregnancy is linked to poor pregnancy outcomes and contributes to long-term maternal obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Evidence of feasible, effective postnatal interventions is lacking. This randomised controlled trial will assess the feasibility of conducting a future definitive trial to determine effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle information and access to Slimming World® (Alfreton, UK) groups for 12 weeks commencing from 8 to 16 weeks postnatally, in relation to supporting longer-term postnatal weight management in women in an ethnically diverse inner city population.

Methods/analysis

Women will be recruited from one maternity unit in London. To be eligible, women will be overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) as identified at their first antenatal contact, or have a normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) at booking but gain excessive gestational weight as assessed at 36 weeks gestation. Women will be aged 18 and over, can speak and read English, expecting a single baby, and will not have accessed weight management groups in this pregnancy. Women will be randomly allocated to standard care plus lifestyle information and access to Slimming World® (Alfreton, UK) groups or standard care only. A sample of 130 women is required.

Feasibility trial objectives reflect those considered most important inform a decision about undertaking a definitive future trial. These include estimation of impact of lifestyle information and postnatal access to Slimming World® (Alfreton, UK) on maternal weight change between antenatal booking weight and weight at 12 months postbirth, recruitment rate and time to recruitment, retention rate, influence of lifestyle information and Slimming World® (Alfreton, UK) groups on weight management, diet, physical activity, breastfeeding, smoking cessation, alcohol intake, physical and mental health, infant health, and health-related quality of life 6 and 12 months postnatally. An embedded process evaluation will assess acceptability of study processes and procedures to women.

Ethics/dissemination

London–Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee, reference: 16/LO/1422. Outcomes will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: ISRCTN 39186148. Protocol version number: v7, 13 August 17. Trial sponsor: King’s College London.

Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Distress, Weight Gain, and Glucose Control for Pregnant Low-Income Women: A Quasi-Experimental Trial Using the ORBIT Model

BACKGROUND

Stress can lead to excessive weight gain. Mindfulness-based stress reduction that incorporates mindful eating shows promise for reducing stress, overeating, and improving glucose control. No interventions have tested mindfulness training with a focus on healthy eating and weight gain during pregnancy, a period of common excessive weight gain. Here, we test the effectiveness of such an intervention, the Mindful Moms Training (MMT), on perceived stress, eating behaviors, and gestational weight gain in a high-risk sample of low income women with overweight/obesity.

METHOD

We conducted a quasi-experimental study assigning 115 pregnant women to MMT for 8 weeks and comparing them to 105 sociodemographically and weight equivalent pregnant women receiving treatment as usual. Our main outcomes included weight gain (primary outcome), perceived stress, and depression.

RESULTS

Women in MMT showed significant reductions in perceived stress (β = - 0.16) and depressive symptoms (β = - 0.21) compared to the treatment as usual (TAU) control group. Consistent with national norms, the majority of women (68%) gained excessive weight according to Institute of Medicine weight-gain categories, regardless of group. Slightly more women in the MMT group gained below the recommendation. Among secondary outcomes, women in MMT reported increased physical activity (β = 0.26) and had lower glucose post-oral glucose tolerance test (β = - 0.23), being 66% less likely to have impaired glucose tolerance, compared to the TAU group.

CONCLUSION

A short-term intervention led to significant improvements in stress, and showed promise for preventing glucose intolerance. However, the majority of women gained excessive weight. A longer more intensive intervention may be needed for this high-risk population. Clinical Trials.gov #NCT01307683.

Using Text Messaging, Social Media, and Interviews to Understand What Pregnant Youth Think About Weight Gain During Pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The majority of pregnant youth gain more weight than recommended by the National Academy of Medicine guidelines. Excess weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of dangerous complications during delivery, including operative delivery and stillbirth, and contributes to the risk of long-term obesity in both mother and child. Little is known regarding youth's perceptions of and knowledge about weight gain during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and acceptability of 3 novel data collection and analysis strategies for use with youth (social media posts, text message surveys, and semistructured interviews) to explore their experiences during pregnancy. The mixed-methods analysis included natural language processing and thematic analysis.

METHODS

To demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of this novel approach, we used descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis to characterize participation and engagement in the study.

RESULTS

Recruitment of 54 pregnant women aged between 16 and 24 years occurred from April 2016 to September 2016. All participants completed at least 1 phase of the study. Semistructured interviews had the highest rate of completion, yet all 3 strategies were feasible and acceptable to pregnant youth.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has described a novel youth-centered strategy of triangulating 3 sources of mixed-methods data to gain a deeper understanding of a health behavior phenomenon among an at-risk population of youth.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Home-Based Lifestyle Therapy on Postpartum Weight in Underserved Women with Overweight or Obesity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a home-based lifestyle intervention delivered through Parents as Teachers (PAT), a national home-visiting organization, designed to minimize excessive weight gain through 12 months post partum in socioeconomically disadvantaged (SED) African American women with overweight or obesity.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single center as part of the Lifestyle Interventions for Expectant Moms (LIFE-Moms) consortium. Analysis was conducted with 185 SED African American women (BMI 25.0-45.0 kg/m² at pregnancy onset) retained from an original sample of 267 randomized to standard PAT or PAT+Lifestyle, which embedded lifestyle therapy within standard PAT delivered prenatally and for 12 months post partum.

RESULTS

Compared with standard PAT, the PAT+Lifestyle group gained less weight (2.5 kg vs. 5.7 kg; P = 0.01) and were more likely to return to their baseline weight (38.0% vs. 21.5%; P = 0.01) from baseline to 12 months post partum. There were no differences between groups in cardiometabolic outcomes, indices of glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, and plasma lipid profile. The estimated cost of PAT+Lifestyle was $81 more to deliver per family than standard PAT.

CONCLUSIONS

PAT+Lifestyle decreases weight gain during pregnancy through 12 months post partum in SED African American women with overweight or obesity at the start of pregnancy with minimal additional cost.

Influence of Sleep Duration on Postpartum Weight Change in Black and Hispanic Women

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of this study was to examine associations of objectively measured sleep duration with weight changes in black and Hispanic mothers over the first postpartum year.

METHODS

Data were from 159 mothers (69% black, 32% Hispanic). Nocturnal sleep duration was assessed using wrist actigraphy at 6 weeks and 5 months post partum, examined as a continuous variable and in categories (< 7 vs. ≥ 7 hours/night, consistent with American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommendations). Body weights were abstracted from medical records in pregnancy and measured at 6 weeks, 5 months, and 12 months post partum. Outcomes included early postpartum (6 weeks to 5 months) and late postpartum (5 to 12 months) weight changes.

RESULTS

The majority of participants slept < 7 hours/night at 6 weeks (75%) and 5 months (63%) post partum. Early postpartum weight change did not differ by 6-week sleep duration category. By contrast, adjusted average late postpartum weight gain (SE) was 1.8 (0.7) kg higher in participants sleeping < 7 hours/night at 5 months post partum compared with those sleeping ≥ 7 hours/night (P = 0.02). Results did not show statistically significant associations of continuous measures of sleep duration, nor of measures of sleep quality, with postpartum weight changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleeping < 7 hours/night was associated with late postpartum weight gain in minority mothers.

Association of Pre-pregnancy BMI and Postpartum Weight Retention Before Second Pregnancy, Washington State, 2003-2013

Background Maternal overweight and obesity is one of the most common high-risk obstetric conditions associated with adverse birth outcomes. Smaller studies have suggested that pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is associated with postpartum weight retention. Objective The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between pre-pregnancy BMI status and maternal weight retention. Study design We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using Washington State birth certificate data from 2003-2013. We included women who had two sequential births during this time period, with the second birth occurring within 18-36 months of the first singleton delivery date. BMI before a women's first pregnancy ("pre-pregnancy BMI") was categorized as normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) and overweight/obese (25-40 kg/m²). Women were classified as having returned to first pre-pregnancy BMI if their BMI before their second pregnancy was no more than 1 kg/m² more compared to their BMI before their first pregnancy. Analyses were stratified by gestational weight gain during the first pregnancy (below, met, exceeded recommended gestational weight gain). Results A total of 49,132 mothers were included in the study. Among women who met their recommended gestational weight gain, compared to mothers with a normal BMI, obese/overweight mothers were less likely to return to their pre-pregnancy BMI (76.5 vs 72.3%; RR_{Obese/Overweight} = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85-0.92). A similar pattern was observed among women who exceeded their recommended gestational weight gain (62.6 vs 53.2%; RR_{Obese/Overweight} = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.78-0.80). Conclusion Pre-pregnancy BMI in the overweight/obese range is associated with a decreased likelihood of returning to pre-pregnancy BMI. Further research to support women during and after their pregnancy to promote behavior changes that prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy and weight retention after birth is needed.

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.

Partner relationship satisfaction, partner conflict, and maternal cardio-metabolic health in the year following the birth of a child

Intimate partner relationship quality during the child-bearing years has implications for maternal health. The purpose of this study was to test whether partner satisfaction, partner conflict, and their interaction predicted maternal cardio-metabolic health at 12-months postpartum. Women were recruited in 5 U.S. sites. Partner conflict and satisfaction were measured at 6-months postpartum, and cardio-metabolic indicators (blood pressure, waist-hip ratio, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol:HDL ratio) were assessed at 6- and 12-months. Cardio-metabolic indices were scored continuously (CM risk) and using clinical risk cutoffs (CM scores). A significant conflict-by-satisfaction interaction emerged for the CM risk, b(SE) = .043 (.016), p = .006, and CM scores, b(SE)= .089 (.028), p = .002, such that when partner satisfaction was low, low partner conflict was associated with poorer postpartum cardio-metabolic health. This is the first study to examine close relationships and cardio-metabolic health during the child-bearing years, an issue warranting further attention.

Associations Between Maternal Obesity and Pregnancy Hyperglycemia and Timing of Puberty Onset in Adolescent Girls: A Population-Based Study

Early puberty is associated with adverse health outcomes. We investigated whether in utero exposure to maternal obesity is associated with daughters' pubertal timing using 15,267 racially/ethnically diverse Kaiser Permanente Northern California members aged 6-11 years with pediatrician-assessed Tanner staging (2003-2017). We calculated maternal body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)2) during pregnancy from the electronic health record data. Using a proportional hazards model with interval censoring, we examined the associations between maternal obesity and girls' pubertal timing, as well as effect modification by race/ethnicity and mediation by prepubertal BMI. Maternal obesity (BMI ≥30) and overweight (BMI 25-29.9) were associated with earlier onset of breast development in girls (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.39 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30, 1.49) and HR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.29), respectively), after adjustment for girl's race/ethnicity, maternal age, education, parity, and smoking during pregnancy. There was interaction by race/ethnicity for associations between maternal obesity and girls' pubic hair onset: Associations were strongest among Asian and non-Hispanic white girls (HR = 1.53 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.90) and HR = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.52), respectively) and absent for African-American girls. Adjustment for girl's prepubertal BMI only slightly attenuated associations. Our results suggest the importance of maternal metabolic factors during pregnancy in the timing of girls' puberty and potential differences in the associations by race/ethnicity.

The association between psychological factors and breastfeeding behaviour in women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg m-2 : a systematic review

Breastfeeding can play a key role in the reduction of obesity, but initiation and maintenance rates in women with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg m^-2 are low. Psychological factors influence breastfeeding behaviours in the general population, but their role is not yet understood in women with a BMI ≥30 kg m^-2 . Therefore, this review aimed to systematically search and synthesize the literature, which has investigated the association between any psychological factor and breastfeeding behaviour in women with a BMI ≥30 kg m^-2 . The search identified 20 eligible papers, reporting 16 psychological factors. Five psychological factors were associated with breastfeeding behaviours: intentions to breastfeed, belief in breast milk's nutritional adequacy and sufficiency, belief about other's infant feeding preferences, body image and social knowledge. It is therefore recommended that current care should encourage women to plan to breastfeed, provide corrective information for particular beliefs and address their body image and social knowledge. Recommendations for future research include further exploration of several psychological factors (i.e. expecting that breastfeeding will enhance weight loss, depression, anxiety and stress) and evidence and theory-based intervention development.

Problems recruiting and retaining postnatal women to a pilot randomised controlled trial of a web-delivered weight loss intervention

Objective

This paper highlights recruitment and retention problems identified during a pilot randomised controlled trial and process evaluation. The pilot trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a web-delivered weight loss intervention for postnatal women and associated trial protocol.

Results

General practice database searches revealed low rates of eligible postnatal women per practice. 16 (10%) of the 168 identified women were recruited and randomised, seven to the intervention and nine to the control. 57% (4/7) of the intervention women completed 3 month follow-up measurements in comparison to 56% (5/9) in the control group. By 12 months, retention in the intervention group was 43% (3/7), with 2/7 women active on the website, in comparison to 44% (4/9) of the control group. Interview findings revealed the web as an acceptable method for delivery of the intervention, with the suggestion of an addition of a mobile application. Alternative recruitment strategies, using health visitor appointments, midwifery departments or mother and baby/toddler groups, should be explored. Greater involvement of potential users should enable better recruitment methods to be developed.

Trial registration ISRCTN: ISRCTN48086713, Registered 26 October 2012

Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Gestational Weight Gain as a Risk Factor for Adolescents Who Are Overweight or Obese

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a risk factor for adverse physical health outcomes during pregnancy. Much less is known about the association between obesity and maternal mental health. Evidence suggests that prenatal depression is associated with excessive weight gain during pregnancy and that this relationship may vary according to pregravid body mass index (BMI). Young women may be particularly vulnerable to postpartum depression. The objective of this study is to examine the association between prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and postpartum depressive symptoms among adolescents.

METHODS

Participants were 505 pregnant adolescents aged 14 to 21 years followed during pregnancy and 6 months postpartum. Data were collected via interviews and medical record abstraction. Multilevel linear mixed models were used to test the association between excessive gestational weight gain as defined by National Academy of Medicine Guidelines and postpartum depressive symptoms measured via the validated Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Analyses controlled for sociodemographic factors (maternal age, race, ethnicity, relationship status), health behaviors (nutrition, physical activity), prenatal depressive symptoms, and postpartum weight retention.

RESULTS

Prepregnancy BMI was classified as follows: 11% underweight, 53% healthy weight, 19% overweight, and 18% obese. One-half (50%) of participants exceeded recommended guidelines for gestational weight gain. Adolescents with excessive gestational weight gain who entered pregnancy overweight or obese had significantly higher postpartum depressive symptoms (β, 2.41; SE, 1.06 vs β, 2.58; SE, 1.08, respectively; both P < .05) compared with those with healthy prepregnancy BMI and appropriate gestational weight gain. Adolescents who gained gestational weight within clinically recommended guidelines were not at risk for increased depressive symptoms.

DISCUSSION

Adolescents who enter pregnancy overweight or obese and experience excessive weight gain may be at increased risk for postpartum depressive symptoms. Health care providers should offer preventive interventions during pregnancy and the interconceptional period to support healthy weight gain and safeguard women's mental health.

Preparing for a trial to test a postpartum weight retention intervention among low income women: feasibility of a protocol in a community-based organization

Background

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) causes intergenerational harm, negatively affecting a mother’s cardiovascular health and ability to have future healthy pregnancies. Low-income minority women are at highest risk for PPWR with little guidance concerning timeline or strategy to lose weight after delivery. An academic-community partnership conducted observational and focus group work to develop an intervention for PPWR among low-income mothers. This study’s objective is to determine the feasibility of implementing a PPWR intervention trial in partnership with a community-based organization (CBO) serving low-income families with social service support.

Methods

We analyzed five implementation outcomes in this feasibility study: acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, penetration, and sustainability. Other secondary outcomes were the change in psychosocial and clinical outcomes from baseline to one year following the intervention delivery.

Results

An academic-community partnership developed and piloted a postpartum weight retention intervention among 17 participants that included 1) six weeks of interactive daily health texting, 2) exercise assistance with baby carrier, home exercise program, and pedometer provision, 3) two live healthy eating and baby feeding workshops, and 4) two 45-min home visits over one year to provide social support and acquire followup data. Implementation outcomes demonstrate an intervention supported by the organization and accepted by end-users, with increased capacity of the CBO to test and deliver an effective intervention. Weight loss was achieved by the majority of participants at one year (Md − 5 pounds (IQR = − 14.5 - 0.3).

Conclusion

We made protocol enhancements to the developed intervention based on the analysis of this study, and now prepare for a funded randomized controlled trial (RCT) in a community-based setting. Our central hypothesis is that low-income women who participate in a multi-component, low cost-intervention delivered by a CBO will have less postpartum weight retention than those women who do not participate in the program.

Trial registration

The trial was retrospectively registered, ID NCT02867631, 8/11/16.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering a Postpartum Weight Loss Intervention via Facebook: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a Facebook-delivered postpartum weight loss intervention.

METHODS

Overweight and obese postpartum women received a 12-week weight loss intervention via Facebook. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, engagement, and acceptability. Weight loss was an exploratory outcome.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 19) were 3.5 (SD 2.2) months postpartum with a baseline body mass index of 30.1 (SD 4.2) kg/m². Retention was 95%. Forty-two percent of participants visibly engaged on the last day of the intervention, and 100% in the last 4 weeks; 88% were likely or very likely to participate again and 82% were likely or very likely to recommend the program to a postpartum friend. Average 12-week weight loss was 4.8% (SD 4.2%); 58% lost ≥5%.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings suggested that this Facebook-delivered intervention is feasible and acceptable and supports research to test efficacy for weight loss. Research is needed to determine how best to engage participants in social network-delivered weight loss interventions.

Evidence for a Complex Relationship Among Weight Retention, Cortisol and Breastfeeding in Postpartum Women

Objective To assess the relationship between cortisol slope, a biologic marker of stress, and postpartum weight retention. Methods We included 696 women in a secondary analysis from a multi-site study conducted using principles of community-based participatory research to study multi-level sources of stress on pregnancy outcomes. As a stress marker, we included salivary cortisol slope; the rate of cortisol decline across the day. Pre-pregnancy weight and demographic data were obtained from the medical records. At 6 months postpartum, patients were weighed and returned saliva samples. We built stepwise regression models to assess the effect of demographic variables, cortisol slope and cortisol covariates (wake time, tobacco use and breastfeeding) on postpartum weight retention. Results 45.5 % of participants were African American, 29.2 % White, and 25.3 % Hispanic. Of the Hispanic women 62.5 % were Spanish speaking and 37.5 % were English speaking. In general, participants were young, multiparous, and overweight. Postpartum, almost half (47.6 %) of women studied retained >10 lbs. In multivariable analysis including age, pre-pregnancy BMI and public insurance, cortisol slope was significantly associated with weight retention (β = -1.90, 95 % CI = 0.22-3.58). However, when the model was adjusted for the cortisol covariates, breastfeeding (β = -0.63, 95 % CI = -1.01 to -0.24) and public insurance (β = 0.62, 95 % CI = 0.20-1.04) were the two strongest correlates of weight retention. Conclusions for Practice The association between cortisol slope and postpartum weight retention appears to be influenced breastfeeding status.

Fast Food Intake in Relation to Employment Status, Stress, Depression, and Dietary Behaviors in Low-Income Overweight and Obese Pregnant Women

Objective This study explored fast food intake as a potential mediator of the relationships among employment status; stress; depression; and fruit, vegetable, and fat intakes by race (African American vs. Non-Hispanic White) and body mass index (BMI category: overweight vs. obesity). Methods Low-income overweight and obese pregnant women (N = 332) were recruited from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children in Michigan. Path analysis was performed to explore mediation effects by race and BMI category. Results Fast food intake mediated the relationship between employment status and fat intake (p = 0.02) in Non-Hispanic White women, but no mediation effect was detected in African American women. For overweight women, fast food intake mediated the relationship between employment status and fat intake (p = 0.04) and the relationship between depression and vegetable intake (p = 0.01). Also, fast food intake partially mediated the relationship between depression and fat intake (p = 0.003). For obese women, fast food intake mediated the relationship between employment status and fat intake (p = 0.04). Conclusion Fast food is an important topic for nutrition education for overweight and obese pregnant women. Future interventions may be more successful if they address issues associated with employment status (e.g., lack of time to plan and cook healthy meals) and depressive mood (e.g., inability to plan meals or shop for groceries when coping with negative emotions).

Impact of Pre-Pregnancy Weight and Gestational Weight Gain on Birth Outcomes by Nativity in the United States: A Systematic Review

Background: Disparities in birth outcomes remain a problem in the United States. This study examined whether pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain moderate the association between nativity and birth outcomes in the United States. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched PubMED, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for relevant articles published before May 27, 2016. Results: Four articles met the eligibility criteria by adjusting for pre-pregnancy or gestational weight gain when examining birth outcomes by nativity. Results: Results from these studies show statistically significant differences in the risk of delivering low birth weight babies between foreign-born and U.S.-born women. These differences remained after adjusting for pre-pregnancy weight or gestational weight gain. However, results stratified by nativity still vary significantly by race/ethnicity. Conclusion: Few investigations include pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain when examining differences in birth outcomes by nativity. Additional studies are needed to examine possible effect modification of these weight variables on the association between nativity and birth outcomes.

Antenatal and postnatal depression in women with obesity: a systematic review

Obesity and depression are prevalent complications during pregnancy and associated with severe health risks for the mother and the child. The co-occurrence of both conditions may lead to a particular high-risk group. This review provides a systematic overview of the association between pre-pregnancy obesity and antenatal or postnatal depression. We conducted a systematic electronic literature search for English language articles published between January 1990 and March 2017. Inclusion criteria were (a) adult pregnant women, (b) women with pre-pregnancy obesity and normal weight controls, (c) definition of obesity according to the IOM 1990/2009 criteria, (d) established depression measure, and (e) report on the association between pre-pregnancy obesity and antenatal or postnatal depression. Fourteen (eight prospective (PS), six cross-sectional (CS)) studies were included. One study reported data from a large community-based sample, and one reported cross-national data. Of 13 studies examining pre-pregnancy obesity and antenatal depression, 9 found a higher risk or higher levels of antenatal depression among women with obesity relative to normal weight (6 PS, 3 CS), while 4 studies found no association (2 PS, 2 CS). Of four studies examining pre-pregnancy obesity and postnatal depression, two studies found a positive association (two PS), one study (CS) reported different findings for different obesity classes, and one study found none (PS). The findings suggest that women with obesity are especially vulnerable to antenatal depression. There is a need to develop appropriate screening routines and targeted interventions to mitigate negative health consequences for the mother and the child. Research addressing the association between obesity and postnatal depression is too limited to draw solid conclusions. Results are mainly based on selective samples, and there is a need for further high-quality prospective studies examining the association between pre-pregnancy obesity and antenatal and postnatal depression.

Psychometric properties of the Prenatal Health Behavior Scale in mid- and late pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

Psychometrically sound self-report measures are important tools to advance research on health behaviors in pregnancy. The Prenatal Health Behavior Scale (PHBS) has been used in prior studies to quantify health behaviors and examine their associations with relevant variables, but its psychometric properties have not been carefully investigated.

METHODS

In a sample of low-risk women, we examined the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the PHBS at mid- (N = 138) and late (N = 102) pregnancy.

RESULTS

In confirmatory factor analysis, items on the PHBS loaded onto a single reliable factor, but separating health-promoting and health-impairing behavior into two factors had better model fit. The scales defined by these two factors had good internal consistency in mid- and late pregnancy, were only moderately correlated, and were predicted by somewhat different sets of sociodemographic and psychological variables. Pregnancy-specific stress was a robust predictor of health-promoting and health-impairing behavior across time.

DISCUSSION

Results bolster confidence in the reliability and validity of the PHBS and its appropriateness as a self-report tool for investigation of health behaviors among pregnant women. This study is one of the first investigations to examine patterns and predictors of health behavior practices at two time periods of pregnancy.

Characteristics of women age 15-24 at risk for excess weight gain during pregnancy

PURPOSE

Excess weight gain during pregnancy is a serious health concern among young pregnant women in the US. This study aimed to characterize young women at highest risk for gaining over the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy.

METHODS

Using a database that is representative of births in large U.S. cities, The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we identified mothers of singleton term-infants age 15-24 years at the time of delivery. Institute of Medicine guidelines were used to categorize each mother's weight gain as less than, within, or more than recommended during pregnancy. Multinomial logistic regression models for weight gain category were performed, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, federal poverty level (FPL), health status, and prepregnancy BMI.

RESULTS

Among the weighted sample (n = 1,034, N = 181,375), the mean (SD) age was 21 (3) years, 32% were black, 39% were Hispanic, 44% reported income under the Federal Poverty Level, 45% were overweight or obese before pregnancy, and 55% gained more weight than recommended during pregnancy. Women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy were at increased risk for gaining more pregnancy weight than recommended, compared to normal-weight women (adjusted Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 3.82, p = 0.01; RRR = 3.27, p = 0.03, respectively). Hispanics were less likely than non-Hispanics to gain more weight than recommended (RRR = 0.39, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of mothers ages 15-24 gained excess weight during pregnancy, a strong risk factor for later obesity. Prepregnancy overweight or obesity and non-Hispanic ethnicity predicted excess pregnancy weight gain. Interventions and policies should target these high-risk young women to prevent excess weight gain.

The accuracy of self-reported pregnancy-related weight: a systematic review

Self-reported maternal weight is error-prone, and the context of pregnancy may impact error distributions. This systematic review summarizes error in self-reported weight across pregnancy and assesses implications for bias in associations between pregnancy-related weight and birth outcomes. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar through November 2015 for peer-reviewed articles reporting accuracy of self-reported, pregnancy-related weight at four time points: prepregnancy, delivery, over gestation and postpartum. Included studies compared maternal self-report to anthropometric measurement or medical report of weights. Sixty-two studies met inclusion criteria. We extracted data on magnitude of error and misclassification. We assessed impact of reporting error on bias in associations between pregnancy-related weight and birth outcomes. Women underreported prepregnancy (PPW: -2.94 to -0.29 kg) and delivery weight (DW: -1.28 to 0.07 kg), and over-reported gestational weight gain (GWG: 0.33 to 3 kg). Magnitude of error was small, ranged widely, and varied by prepregnancy weight class and race/ethnicity. Misclassification was moderate (PPW: 0-48.3%; DW: 39.0-49.0%; GWG: 16.7-59.1%), and overestimated some estimates of population prevalence. However, reporting error did not largely bias associations between pregnancy-related weight and birth outcomes. Although measured weight is preferable, self-report is a cost-effective and practical measurement approach. Future researchers should develop bias correction techniques for self-reported pregnancy-related weight.