The role of gestational diabetes, pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on the risk of newborn macrosomia: results from a prospective multicentre study

Mediating effect of gestational weight gain on the preventive effect of exercise during pregnancy on macrosomia: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the impact of individualized exercise guidance during pregnancy on the incidence of macrosomia and the mediating effect of gestational weight gain (GWG).

DESIGN

A prospective randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

A Hospital in Xingtai District, Hebei Province.

POPULATION

Older than 20 years of age, mid-pregnancy, and singleton pregnant women without contraindications to exercise during pregnancy.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2021 to September 2022 to compare the effects of standard prenatal care with individualized exercise guidance on the incidence of macrosomia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Incidence of macrosomia.

RESULTS

In all, 312 singleton women were randomized into an intervention group (N = 162) or a control group (N = 150). Participants who received individualized exercise guidance had a significantly lower incidence of macrosomia (3.73% vs. 13.61%, P = 0.002) and infants large for gestational age (9.94% vs. 19.73%, P = 0.015). However, no differences were observed in the rate of preterm birth (1.86% vs. 3.40%, P = 0.397) or the average gestational age at birth (39.14 ± 1.51 vs. 38.69 ± 1.85, P = 0.258). Mediation analysis revealed that GWG mediated the effect of exercise on reducing the incidence of macrosomia.

CONCLUSION

Individualized exercise guidance may be a preventive tool for macrosomia, and GWG mediates the effect of exercise on reducing the incidence of macrosomia. However, evidence does not show that exercise increases the rate of preterm birth or affects the average gestational age at birth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrails.gov [registration number: NCT05760768; registration date: 08/03/2023 (retrospectively registered)].

The environmental risk factors associated with fetal macrosomia: An umbrella review

The present umbrella review evaluated the environmental risk factors prior to conception associated with fetal macrosomia based on meta-analyses and systematic reviews. We systematically searched international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, until April 2023 by using some relevant keywords. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR 2checklist. The risk factor of advanced maternal age 35-39 years compared with <30 years (OR 1·42, 95 % CI: 1·25, 1·60), prepregnancy obesity (OR 1.93, 95 % CI: 1.65, 2.27) and excessive weight gain before and during pregnancy (OR 2.35, 95 % CI: 1.95, 2.85) were graded as suggestive evidence (class III). Two risk factors of advanced maternal age >40 years compared with <30 years (OR 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.02, 1.78) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) without insulin use (OR 1.70, 95 % CI: 1.23, 2.36) were graded as risk factors with weak evidence (class IV). Advanced maternal age, prepregnancy obesity, excessive weight gain before and during pregnancy, and GDM without insulin use were environmental risk factors for macrosomia.

Confluence of Newborn's sex and their Mother's characteristics resulting in fetal macrosomia among Indian neonates

BACKGROUND

A newborn's birth weight ≥4000 g is defined as fetal macrosomia, which is recognized as a reproductive and serious child health concern.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aims to reveal existence of any connection between maternal factors and newborn sex in giving birth to newborn ≥4000 g in an Indian context.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the fifth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with a total of 152,827 children born to women in reproductive age group (15-49) who had most recent live birth in the five years preceding the survey. Descriptive analyses, cross-tabulation, test of association and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In India, the prevalence of macrosomia was found in 3.8% of the total study participants. Considering newborn characteristics, fetal macrosomia was more prevalent among male neonates than female (AOR: 0.730; 95% CI: 0.687-0.775). Regarding maternal characteristics, overweight (AOR: 1.468; 95% CI: 2.042-2.559) and obese (AOR: 2.764; 95% CI: 2.394-3.192) motherswith gestational diabetes (AOR: 1.731, 95% CI: 1.385-2.164) and hypertension (AOR: 1.288, 95% CI: 1.116-1.488) were more likely to giving birth of macrosomic babies. Multiparous mothers (AOR: 1.207, 95% CI: 1.128-1.293) and women who did not undergo proper antenatal care (ANC) follow up had also greater risk of developing fetal macrosomia. Muslim women (AOR: 1.223, 95% CI: 1.119-1.338), and women belonging to a tribe (AOR: 1.476, 95% CI: 0.922-2.361) were significantly associated with the risk of having newborn ≥4000 g.

CONCLUSION

Emphasis should be given on counseling for mothers for desired weight management before and during pregnancy, gestational diabetes and hypertension screening, physical activity during pregnancy, adequate ANC follow up and balanced dietary intake among pregnant women.

The Relationship between Birth Weight and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity among Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 7-17 Years

Obesity is a major public health issue in children and adolescents. Our study aimed to examine the impacts of birth weight on overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents. Using data from the China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Mothers in 2016-2017, we included 10,041 participants aged 7-17 years. According to birth weight, participants were categorized into six groups, and the birth weight category of 3000 to 3499 g was chosen as the reference group, containing the largest number of children. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association of birth weight with the risk of being obese at 7 to 17 years of age in multivariable-adjusted models. A restricted cubic spline was utilized to show the odds ratios (ORs) of obesity at different birth weight levels. The adjusted ORs for overweight were 0.98 (95%CI 0.63, 1.53), 1.02 (95%CI 0.84, 1.25), 1.34 (95%CI 1.16, 1.55), 1.72 (95%CI 1.35, 2.18), and 1.17 (95%CI 0.71, 1.96) in several birth weight groups, compared with group C (3000-3499 g). The adjusted ORs for obesity were 0.82 (95%CI 0.48, 1.40), 0.77 (95%CI 0.60, 0.98), 1.33 (95%CI 1.13, 1.57), 1.97 (95%CI 1.53, 2.53), and 2.01 (95%CI 1.27, 3.19). Furthermore, children in the post-pubertal stage had a slightly higher risk of overweight and obesity than those in the pre-pubertal and pubertal stage. Moreover, these associations were stronger among boys. The lower part of normal birth weight range is associated with a lower risk of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. However, higher levels of birth weight increase risk.

Maternal Height Is an Independent Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Maternal height has been shown to be associated with adverse outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between maternal height and adverse outcomes stratified for gestational weight gain (GWG) and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in women with GDM.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study that included 2048 women diagnosed with GDM during 24-28 gestational weeks from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, in Zhejiang Province, China. Demographic data, maternal characteristics and pregnancy complications were extracted from medical records. Maternal height was divided into three categories by tertiles. Chi-square was used to evaluate categorical data while one-way ANOVA was utilized to analyze continuous variables. The relationship between maternal height and adverse outcomes was examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

We found that shorter women had higher rates of low birth weight (LBW) (p = 0.003) and primary cesarean section (primary CS) (p < 0.001) while taller women had higher rates of abnormal neonatal ponderal index (p < 0.001), postpartum hemorrhage (p = 0.044) and macrosomia (p < 0.001). In taller women who had excess GWG, maternal height was positively associated with the risk of macrosomia (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 0.95-4.10). In shorter women who had inadequate GWG, maternal height was significantly associated with LBW (aOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.13-4.29) and primary CS (aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.38-3.12). Maternal height was a protective factor of postpartum hemorrhage (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.72) in shorter women with excess GWG. In women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal height was positively associated with LBW (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.15-3.49) and primary CS (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.28-2.28) in shorter women while it was negatively associated with the risk of abnormal neonatal ponderal index in both shorter and taller women compared to average height women (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.92; aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.85).

CONCLUSION

The association between maternal height and adverse pregnancy outcomes varies with pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG in GDM women. Taking maternal height, pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG into account and using personalized prenatal management may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM.

Associations of COVID-19 lockdown with birth weight in China

Background

During the special period of the global spread of COVID-19, pregnant women are sensitive groups to the impacts of COVID-19 epidemic. However, the effects of lockdown measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 on fetal birthweight remain unclear.

Objectives

This study investigated the associations of COVID-19 lockdown with birth weight in Chinese population.

Methods

We collected 730,153 data of participants from hospitals of five cities in the south of China, we defined the time period of level I response (1/23-2/24/2020) as level I lockdown, and women who were pregnant during level I lockdown as the exposure group. Women who were pregnant during the same calendar month from 2015 to 2019 were defined as the unexposed group. We quantitatively estimate the individual cumulative exposure dose by giving different weights to days with different emergency response levels. Generalized linear regression models were used to estimate the association between COVID-19 lockdown exposure with birth weight and risk of low birth weight (<2,500 g) and macrosomia (>4,000 g).

Results

The birth weight of the exposed group is heavier than the unexposed group (3,238.52 vs. 3,224.11 g: adjusted β = 24.39 g [95% CI: 21.88, 26.91 g]). The exposed group had a higher risk of macrosomia (2.8% vs. 2.6%; adjusted OR = 1.17 [95% CI: 1.12, 1.22]). More obvious associations were found between COVID-19 lockdown and macrosomia in women who experienced the lockdown in their early pregnancy. Women who experienced the lockdown at their 4-7 weeks of pregnancy showed statistically significant heavier birth weight than unexposed group (after adjustment): β = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.46) g. We also observed a positive association between cumulative exposure dose of COVID-19 lockdown in all pregnant women and birth weight, after divided into four groups, Q1: β = 32.95 (95% CI: 28.16, 37.75) g; Q2: β = 18.88 (95% CI: 14.12, 23.64) g; Q3: β = 19.50 (95% CI: 14.73, 24.28) g; Q4: β = 21.82 (95% CI: 17.08, 26.56) g. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of low birth weight between exposed and unexposed groups.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 lockdown measures were associated with a heavier birth weight and a higher risk of macrosomia. Early pregnancy periods may be a more susceptible exposure window for a heavier birth weight and a higher risk of macrosomia. We also observed a positive association between cumulative exposure dose of COVID-19 lockdown and birth weight. The government and health institutions should pay attention to the long-term health of the infants born during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and follow up these mothers and infants is necessary.

Impact of COVID-19 mandatory lockdown on maternal gestational weight gain and neonatal macrosomia rate at an academic medical center in Israel

BACKGROUND

In an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), governments restricted outdoor activities and imposed lockdown quarantine. This change in lifestyle probably affected individuals' eating habits and physical activity.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal antenatal weight gain, neonatal macrosomia, and other maternal and neonatal outcomes of women delivering at an academic medical center in Israel.

METHOD

A retrospective, two-period cohort study conducted at a university teaching medical center in Afula, Israel. The study period was between April and September 2020. This period signifies worsening in pandemic situations, during which citizens experienced strict prolonged lockdown measures. The parallel unexposed period (control period) was between April and September 2019. Singleton pregnancies delivered at >24 weeks were eligible. Primary outcome was incidence of macrosomia. Secondary outcomes included gestational weight gain, body mass index (BMI) at delivery, rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and neonatal outcomes reflecting neonatal birth weight and condition at delivery.

RESULTS

A total of 4,765 women were included, 2,442 in the study group and 2,323 in the control group. The incidence of macrosomia was significantly higher in 2020 (6.2%) than in 2019 (4.9%), (p = .048; OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.002- 1.65). Women gained significantly more weight (median 1 kg more), weighed more at delivery (median 1 kg), and had higher BMI at delivery in 2020 compared with those in 2019 (p < .01). The incidence of GDM was 9.5% and 8.5% in the study and control groups respectively (p = .26; OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.92-1.37). Greater percentage of women did not perform the glucose challenge test in 2020 (9.9%) compared with those in 2019 (7.5%) (p = .003, OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.11-1.67). The incidence of any hypertension related to pregnancy was significantly higher in 2020 compared to 2019 (5.8% vs 4.4% respectively, (p = .042; OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02-1.71). The proportion of women who smoked during pregnancy was also significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (5.1% vs 3.7%, respectively, p = .02; OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.06-1.86). Delivery mode did not differ, while the incidence of PPH was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (5.6% vs 3.4%, respectively, p = .001; OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.25-2.19). Neonatal condition at delivery was comparable.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19-related lockdown was associated with the increased rate of macrosomic infants. This indirect effect of the pandemic is probably related to poorer maternal antenatal metabolic health status. Long-term consequences should be further examined.

Inappropriate gestational weight gain impact on maternofetal outcomes in gestational diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between the dimension of deviation from appropriate gestational weight gain (GWG) and adverse maternofetal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

We performed a multicentric retrospective study based on the Portuguese GDM Database. Women were classified as within GWG, insufficient (IGWG) or excessive (EGWG) than the Institute of Medicine recommendations. EGWG and IGWG were calculated for each prepregnancy BMI category. Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) and macrosomia were defined as a birthweight more than the 90th percentile for the gestational age and newborn weight greater than 4000 g, respectively. Logistic regression models (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] plus 95% confidence interval [95%CI]) were derived to evaluate the association between EGWG or IGWG and adverse maternofetal outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 18961 pregnant women were included: 39.7% with IGWG and 27.8% with EGWG. An EGWG over 3 kg was associated with a higher risk of LGA infants (aOR 1.95, 95%CI 1.17-3.26) and macrosomia (aOR 2.01, 95%CI 1.23-3.27) in prepregnancy normal weight women. An EGWG greater than 4 kg was associated with a higher risk of LGA infants (aOR 1.67, 95%CI 1.23-2.23) and macrosomia (aOR 1.90, 95%CI 1.38-2.61) in obese women. In overweight women, an EGWG above 3.5 kg was associated with a higher risk of LGA infants (aOR 1.65, 95%CI 1.16-2.34), macrosomia (aOR 1.85, 95%CI 1.30-2.64), preeclampsia (aOR 2.40, 95%CI 1.45-3.98) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (aOR 2.21, 95%CI 1.52-3.21). An IGWG below -3.1 kg or -3kg was associated with a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age [SGA] infants in women with normal (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.03-1.90) and underweight (OR 2.29, 95%CI 1.09-4.80), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Inappropriate gestational weight gain seems to be associated with an increased risk for adverse maternofetal outcomes, regardless of prepregnancy BMI. Beyond glycemic control, weight management in women with GDM must be a focus of special attention to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.KEY MESSAGESThe dimension of deviation from appropriate gestational weight gain was associated with an increased risk for adverse maternofetal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes.Weight management must be a focus of special attention in women with gestational diabetes to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Identifying critical windows of air pollution exposure during preconception and gestational period on birthweight: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have assessed air pollution exposure association with birthweight during both preconception and gestational periods.

METHODS

Leveraging a preconception cohort consisting of 14220 pregnant women and newborn children in Shanghai, China during 2016-2018, we aim to assess associations of NO2 and PM2.5 exposure, derived from high-resolution spatial-temporal models, during preconception and gestational periods with outcomes including term birthweight, birthweight Z-score, small-for-gestational age (SGA) and large-for-gestational age (LGA). Linear and logistic regressions were used to estimate 3-month preconception and trimester-averaged air pollution exposure associations; and distributed lag models (DLM) were used to identify critical exposure windows at the weekly resolution from preconception to delivery. Two-pollutant models and children's sex-specific associations were explored.

RESULTS

After controlling for covariates, one standard deviation (SD) (11.5 μg/m3, equivalent to 6.1 ppb) increase in NO2 exposure during the second and the third trimester was associated with 13% (95% confidence interval: 2 - 26%) and 14% (95% CI: 1 - 29%) increase in SGA, respectively; and one SD (9.6 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5 exposure during the third trimester was associated with 15% (95% CI: 1 - 31%) increase in SGA. No association have been found for outcomes of birthweight, birthweight Z-score and LGA. DLM found that gestational weeks 22-32 were a critical window, when NO2 exposure had strongest associations with SGA. The associations of air pollution exposure tended to be stronger in female newborns than in male newborns. However, no significant associations of air pollution exposure during preconception period on birthweight outcomes were found.

CONCLUSION

Consistent with previous studies, we found that air pollution exposure during mid-to-late pregnancy was associated with adverse birthweight outcomes.

Flash glucose monitoring in gestational diabetes mellitus (FLAMINGO): a randomised controlled trial

AIMS

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common type of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy. GDM is a risk factor of adverse perinatal outcomes, with the incidence rate increasing proportionally to the level of maternal dysglycaemia. Therefore, glycaemic control plays an important role in management of GDM. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of flash glucose monitoring (FGM) in GDM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a non-blinded, randomised controlled trial, that recruited 100 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Warsaw. After meeting the inclusion criteria patients were randomly allocated to the study group (FGM, n = 50) or control group (self-monitoring of blood glucose-SMBG, n = 50). Clinical and laboratory results were assessed at four follow-up visits. The primary outcome was mean fasting and postprandial glycaemia. The secondary outcomes were perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in mean glycaemia between the groups (p = 0.437) Compared to the control group, the study group significantly reduced their fasting (p = 0.027) and postprandial glycaemia (p = 0.034) during the first 4 weeks following GDM diagnosis, with no significant difference in progression to insulin therapy (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.47-2.57). Incidence of fetal macrosomia was significantly higher in SMBG as compared to FGM group (OR 5.63, 95% CI 1.16-27.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Study results indicate that FGM has an impact on glycaemic control, dietary habits and incidence of fetal macrosomia in patients with GDM. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04422821.

Associations of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain with the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Give the high background risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), it is important to understand the associations of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (ppBMI), gestational weight gain (GWG) with APOs in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We addressed the independent and joint associations of maternal ppBMI and GWG with APOs in Chinese women with GDM.

METHODS

764 GDM women with singleton delivery were studied and they were stratified into three weight groups by ppBMI (underweight, normal weight and overweight/obesity) following classification standards for Chinese adults and three GWG groups (inadequate, adequate, excessive GWG) by the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios of APOs.

RESULTS

Maternal overweight/obesity was associated with increased odds of pregnancy-induced hypertension [PIH, adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.828, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.382-5.787], cesarean delivery (CS) (aOR 2.466, 95%CI 1.694-3.590), preterm delivery (aOR 2.466, 95%CI 1.233-4.854), LGA (aOR 1.664, 95%CI 1.120-2.472), macrosomia (aOR 2.682, 95%CI 1.511-4.760) and any pregnancy complication (aOR 2.766, 95%CI 1.840-4.158) compared with healthy weight. Inadequate GWG was less likely to develop PIH (aOR 0.215, 95%CI 0.055-0.835), CS (aOR 0.612, 95%CI 0.421-0.889) and any pregnancy complication (aOR 0.628, 95%CI 0.435-0.907), but had higher risk of preterm birth (aOR 2.261, 95%CI 1.089-4.692), while excessive GWG was more vulnerable to LGA (aOR 1.929, 95%CI 1.272-2.923), macrosomia (aOR 2.753, 95%CI 1.519-4.989) and any pregnancy complication (aOR 1.548, 95%CI 1.006-2.382) as compared to adequate GWG. Furthermore, compared to normal weight mothers with adequate GWG, obese mothers with excessive GWG had the highest risk of any pregnancy complication (aOR 3.064, 95%CI 1.636-5.739).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal overweight/obesity and GWG were associated with APOs in the already high-risk settings of GDM. Obese mothers with excessive GWG may confer the greatest risk of adverse outcomes. It was very helpful to reduce the burden of APOs and benefit GDM women by promoting a healthy pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG.

Association between second- and third-trimester maternal lipid profiles and adverse perinatal outcomes among women with GDM and non-GDM: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Lipid metabolism disorder during pregnancy has been reported in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, controversy remains regarding the relationship between maternal changes in lipid profiles and perinatal outcomes. This study investigated the association between maternal lipid levels and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with GDM and non-GDM.

METHODS

In total, 1632 pregnant women with GDM and 9067 women with non-GDM who delivered between 2011-2021 were enrolled in this study. Serum samples were assayed for fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated via multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association of lipid levels with perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

The serum TC, TG, LDL, and HDL levels in the third trimester were significantly higher than those in the second trimester (p < 0.001). Women with GDM had significantly higher levels of TC and TG in the second and third trimesters than those with non-GDM in the same trimesters, while HDL levels decreased in women with GDM (all p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors by multivariate logistic regression, every mmol/L elevation in TG levels of women with GDM in second and third trimesters was associated with a higher risk of caesarean section (AOR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.103-1.396, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.716, 95% CI: 1.556-1.921, p < 0.001), large for gestational age infants (LGA) (AOR = 1.419, 95% CI: 1.173-2.453, p = 0.001; AOR = 2.011, 95% CI: 1.673-2.735, p < 0.001), macrosomia (AOR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.133-1.643, p = 0.005; AOR = 1.891, 95% CI: 1.322-2.519, p < 0.001), and neonatal unit admission (NUD; AOR = 1.781, 95% CI: 1.267-2.143, p < 0.001; AOR = 2.052, 95% CI: 1.811-2.432, p < 0.001) cesarean delivery (AOR = 1.423, 95% CI: 1.215-1.679, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.834, 95% CI: 1.453-2.019, p < 0.001), LGA (AOR = 1.593, 95% CI: 1.235-2.518, p = 0.004; AOR = 2.326, 95% CI: 1.728-2.914, p < 0.001), macrosomia (AOR = 1.346, 95% CI: 1.209-1.735, p = 0.006; AOR = 2.032, 95% CI: 1.503-2.627, p < 0.001), and neonatal unit admission (NUD) (AOR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.453-2.546, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.993, 95% CI: 1.724-2.517, p < 0.001), which were higher than the relative risk of these perinatal outcomes in women with non-GDM. Additionally, every mmol/L increase in second and third-trimester HDL levels of women with GDM was associated with decreased risk of LGA(AOR = 0.421, 95% CI: 0.353-0.712, p = 0.007; AOR = 0.525, 95% CI: 0.319-0.832, p = 0.017) and NUD (AOR = 0.532, 95% CI: 0.327-0.773, p = 0.011; AOR = 0.319, 95% CI: 0.193-0.508, p < 0.001), and the risk reduction was not strong than that of women with GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with GDM, high maternal TG in the second and third trimesters was independently associated with an increased risk of cesarean section, LGA, macrosomia, and NUD. High maternal HDL during the second and third trimesters was significantly associated with decreased risk of LGA and NUD. These associations were stronger than those in women with non-GDM, suggesting the importance of monitoring second and third-trimester lipid profiles in improving clinical outcomes, especially in GDM pregnancies.

The Effect of Maternal Race, Ethnicity, and Nativity on Macrosomia Among Infants Born in the United States

OBJECTIVES

 This study aims to elucidate the influence of race, ethnicity, and nativity on macrosomia rates, hypothesizing that higher rates are observed among White non-Latina mothers and United States (US)-born mothers.

STUDY DESIGN

 We analyzed data from 1,791,718 US births sourced from the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between macrosomia rates and maternal race, ethnicity, and nativity.

RESULTS

 After excluding non-singleton, preterm, post-term births, and those with missing data, six maternal cohorts were identified: White non-Latina US-born (1,147,096) and foreign-born (75,542), Black non-Latina US-born (174,540) and foreign-born (32,200), and Latina US-born (223,968) and foreign-born (137,515). White non-Latina US-born mothers had the highest rates of excessive gestational weight gain (58.9%). Black non-Latina US-born mothers exhibited the highest rates of pre-pregnancy diabetes (0.7%) and obesity (29.5%). Macrosomia rates were highest among White non-Latina US-born mothers (10.7%) compared to other cohorts. After adjusting for socioeconomic and health-related factors, this group maintained the highest odds of macrosomia (OR: 1.876; 95%CI 1.832-1.922, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that White non-Latina US-born mothers experience the highest macrosomia rates, which persist after adjusting for known confounders. These results have significant implications for the development of gestational surveillance tools and targeted public health interventions aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes among high-risk cohorts.

Gestational weight gain and pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

We aimed to explore the relationship between gestational weight gain (GWG) after Institute of Medicine (IOM) and pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary medical center (1981-2011).

OUTCOME VARIABLES

2 maternal and 14 fetal. Main exposure variable: GWG according to IOM. We calculated crude and adjusted ORs as well as population attributable (PAF) and preventable fractions (PPF) for significant positive and negative associations, respectively.

RESULTS

We evaluated 633 pregnant women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. GWG was insufficient (iGWG) in 16.7% and excessive (eGWG) in 50.7%. In the adjusted analysis, GWG according to IOM was significantly associated with maternal outcomes (pregnancy-induced hypertension and cesarean delivery) and four fetal outcomes (large-for-gestational age, macrosomia, small-for-gestational age and neonatal respiratory distress). The association with large-for-gestational age newborns was negative for iGWG (0.48, CI 95% 0.25-0.94) and positive for eGWG (1.76, CI 95% 1.18-2.63). In addition, iGWG was associated with a higher risk of small-for-gestational age newborns and respiratory distress and eGWG with a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, caesarean delivery and macrosomia. PAF and PPF ranged from the 20.4% PPF of iGWG for large-for-gestational age to 56.5% PAF of eGWG for macrosomia.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, inadequate GWG after IOM was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes; associations were unfavorable for eGWG and mixed for iGWG. The attributable fractions were not moderate, pointing to the potential impact of modifying inadequate GWG.

Effect of Gestational Weight Gain during the First Half of Pregnancy on the Incidence of GDM, Results from a Pregnant Cohort in Northern Greece

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gestational weight gain (GWG) up to 23⁺⁶ weeks of gestation on the incidence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). A pregnant cohort of 5948 women in Northern Greece was recruited. Anthropometric features before and during pregnancy were recorded, the GWG by 23⁺⁶ weeks was calculated and a Generalized Linear Regression Model (GLM) with subgroup analyses based on weight status were computed. GDM was diagnosed in 5.5% of women. GLM results showed that GDM likelihood increased with maternal age (MA) and pre-pregnancy BMI (aOR: 1.08, 95%CI: [1.06, 1.11] and aOR: 1.09, 95%CI: [1.09, 1.11], respectively). Ιn the normal pre-pregnancy weight group, when the extra weight gain was >8 kgs, the odds of GDM increased (OR: 2.13, 95%CI: [0.98, 4.21], p = 0.03). Women with pre-pregnancy level 2 clinical obesity (OB2 pre) (BMI > 35 and <40 kg/m²) that shifted to OB3 category (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) had an increased GDM likelihood (OR: 4.85, 95%CI: [1.50, 15.95]). Women of higher MA may require stricter monitoring for GDM from early pregnancy, while in obese women, recommended GWG may need to be re-evaluated, since refraining from any weight gain may have a preventive effect for GDM.

Maternofetal outcomes in early-onset gestational diabetes: does weight gain matter?

AIM

Women with early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have overall lower gestational weight gain (GWG) compared to those with later-onset GDM, albeit with usually worse maternofetal outcomes. We intent to investigate the association between inadequate GWG and maternofetal outcomes in pregnant women with early-onset GDM.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of women with early-onset GDM based on the National Registry of GDM. Three study groups were defined according to the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine for GWG: excessive GWG (eGWG), adequate (aGWG) or insufficient (iGWG).

RESULTS

A total of 8040 pregnant women were included: 27% (n = 2170) eGWG, 31% (n = 2492) aGWG and 42% (n = 3378) iGWG. Preeclampsia (4.3 vs 3 vs 1.6%, p < 0.001), polyhydramnios (3.1 vs 2.3 vs 1.8%, p = 0.008) and cesarean section (37.4 vs 34.1 vs 29.5%, p < 0.001) were significantly more frequent among women with eGWG. Additionally, there was a higher frequency of macrosomia (8.1 vs 3.6 vs 2.4%, p < 0.001), large-for-gestational-age (8.2 vs 3.7 vs 2.6%, p < 0.001) and birth trauma (2.6 vs 1.5 vs 1.1%, p < 0.001) in this group. On the other hand, fetal death (0.2 vs 0.2 vs 0.5%, p = 0.04), small-for-gestational-age (9 vs 10.3 vs 14.9, p < 0.001) and preterm delivery (5.6 vs 7.1 vs 7.5%, p = 0.03) were more frequent in iGWG group.

CONCLUSIONS

Over two-thirds of pregnant women with early-onset GDM had inappropriate GWG, which was significantly associated with adverse maternofetal outcomes. Weight management must be a focus of special attention in women with early-onset GDM, beyond glycemic control, to achieve healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Ethnic differences in the impact of gestational diabetes on macrosomia

BACKGROUND

Previous studies reported an ethnic disparity in gestational diabetes mellitus-associated birth outcomes, with some suggesting that macrosomia increases to a lesser extent in groups at high risk, the opposite of the pattern observed by others. Our aim was to evaluate ethnic variation in the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

A case-control study evaluating pregnancy outcomes was conducted in women with and without GDM from five ethnic groups. Data on GDM were collected between January 2004 and July 2017. Women giving birth between May 2013 and July 2017 in whom pre-existing diabetes had been ruled out served as controls. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with macrosomia.

RESULTS

Overall, 852 GDM women and 3,803 controls were included. In Caucasian and East-Asian women excessive gestational weight gain (OR 2.273, 95% CI 1.364-3.788 and OR 3.776, 95% CI 0.958-14.886) was an independent predictor of macrosomia. In Latin-American and Moroccan women, obesity (OR 1.774, 95% CI 1.219-2.581 and OR 1.656, 95% CI 1.054-2.601), GDM (OR 2.440; 95% CI 1.048-5.679 and OR 3.249, 95% CI 1.269-8.321) and gestational weight gain but only for Latin-American women (OR 2.365, 95% CI 1.039-5.384) were associated with macrosomia. In South-Central Asian women, only GDM was associated with macrosomia (OR 3.701, 95% CI 1.437-9.532).

CONCLUSIONS

GDM is an independent predictor of macrosomia in Latin-American, South-Central Asian and Moroccan women but not in Caucasian or East-Asian women in whom other factors play a more important role.

Dietary Pattern Influences Gestational Weight Gain: Results from the ProcriAr Cohort Study-São Paulo, Brazil

The maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) influence maternal and infant outcomes. This study identified patterns of habitual dietary intake in 385 pregnant women in São Paulo and explored their associations with excessive weight gain (EGWG). Weight at the first visit (<14 weeks) was used as a proxy for pre-pregnancy weight. Food consumption was assessed using the 24HR method, administered twice at each gestational trimester, and dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. Three dietary patterns were identified: “Vegetables and Fruits,” “Western,” and “Brazilian Traditional.” Descriptive data analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies for each independent variable and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to analyze excessive gestational gain weight (EGWG) and dietary patterns (DP). The Brazilian Traditional dietary pattern showed a protective effect on EGWG (p = 0.04) and age > 35 years (p = 0.03), while subjects overweight at baseline had a higher probability of EGWG (p = 0.02), suggesting that the identification of dietary and weight inadequacies should be observed from the beginning of pregnancy, accompanied by nutritional intervention and weight monitoring throughout the gestational period to reduce risks to the mother and child’s health.

Analytical Comparison of Risk Prediction Models for the Onset of Macrosomia Based on Three Statistical Methods

Background and Purpose. Fetal overgrowth can pose a serious threat to the safety of a mother and child. Early identification of high-risk pregnant women and timely pregnancy intervention and guidance are of great value in preventing the development of giant babies and improving adverse maternal and infant outcomes. The current clinical methods for predicting macrosomia mainly rely on obstetric examination and imaging, but their accuracy is controversial. And there is no accepted method for accurately predicting macrosomia. We investigated the risk factors influencing the occurrence of macrosomia and established a prediction model for the occurrence of macrosomia to provide a reference basis for interventions to prevent macrosomia. Method. A retrospective selection of 93 women who were hospitalized in our hospital from March 2019 to May 2022 with a singleton pregnancy and delivered at term with macrosomia were the study group. And 356 women who delivered a normal size baby during the same period were the control group. The variables that were associated with the onset of macrosomia were screened from maternal medical records. Logistic regression models, random forest, and CART decision tree models were developed using the screened variables as input variables and whether they were macrosomia as outcome variables, respectively. The performance of the three models was evaluated by accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Result. The risk prediction models for the onset of macrosomia, logistic regression model, random forest model, and decision tree, were successfully developed, with accuracies of 0.904, 1.000, and 0.901 in the training set and 0.926, 0.582, and 0.852 in the validation set, respectively. The AUC in the training set were 0.898, 1.000, and 0.789, and in the validation set were 0.906, 0.913, and 0.731, respectively. In general, the logistic regression model has the highest diagnostic efficiency, followed by the random forest model. Conclusion. Logistic regression models have high application value in the assessment of predicting the risk of macrosomia, and it is suggested that the advantages of logistic regression models and random forest models should be combined in future studies and applications to make them work better in the prediction of the risk of macrosomia.

Factors associated with large-for-gestational-age infants born after frozen embryo transfer cycles

Objective

To examine trends of frozen embryo transfer (FET) proportions and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) incidence and determine risk factors for LGA infants after FET.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Not applicable.

Patients

Frozen embryo transfer cycles.

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Singleton LGA infant.

Results

The percentage of FETs increased from 20%-74% of transfers, whereas the rate of LGA among FET singleton births decreased from 18%-12% during 2004-2018. In a subanalysis of 127,525 FET-associated singleton live births during 2016-2018, patient factors associated with LGA were higher-than-normal maternal body mass index (body mass index [BMI], 25.0-29.9 kg/m²; adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.36; BMI, 30.0-34.9 kg/m²; aRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.41-1.55; and BMI, >35 Kg/m²; aRR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.59-1.77) and ≥1 prior birth vs. none. Low maternal BMI (<18.5 vs. 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) and cycles involving patients who were non-Hispanic (NH) Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, NH Black, or Hispanic (compared with NH White) were at lower risk of LGA infants. Cycle factors associated with LGA included gestational carrier use (aRR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16-1.34) and donor sperm (aRR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10-1.25).

Conclusions

Although the number and proportion of FET cycles increased from 2004-2018, the rate of LGA after FET decreased. Maternal BMI, parity, and race/ethnicity were the strongest risk factors for LGA infants after FET.

Comparing IADPSG and NICE Diagnostic Criteria for GDM in Predicting Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) proposed by the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) with those endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a secondary data analysis of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study participants in five study centers. Logistic regression analyses were performed, and Akaike information criterion were applied for the comparison of different statistical prediction models. We further analyzed the performance by four racial/ethnic subgroups, namely, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, and Blacks.

RESULTS

Among all, IADPSG criteria diagnosed 267 (4.1%) more women with GDM, but predicted primary caesarean section (CS) and large for gestational age (LGA) and neonatal adiposity better than did NICE criteria after adjustment for potential confounders. Among Whites, IADPSG criteria diagnosed 65 (2.5%) more subjects with GDM and predicted LGA and neonatal adiposity better, but predicted hypertensive disorders, primary CS and clinical neonatal hypoglycemia worse. Among Hispanics, the IADPSG criteria diagnosed 203 (12.1%) more with GDM but performed better in predicting hypertensive disorders, LGA, neonatal adiposity, and hyperinsulinemia. Among Asians, the IADPSG criteria diagnosed 34 (2.0%) fewer subjects with GDM but predicted hypertensive disorders better in the unadjusted model. In Blacks, IADPSG criteria diagnosed 34 (10.5%) more women with GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

IADPSG criteria appear to be more favorable than NICE for identification of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Hispanic and Asian women, while they are comparable to NICE among White women.

Comparison of “growth promoted” and “normally grown” dichorionic–diamniotic twins: A population-based study

Objectives

Macrosomia in singleton pregnancies and associated risks have been well characterized. Less is known about the outcomes of macrosomic newborns in twin pregnancy.Objective of this study was to compare maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of "growth promoted twins" (twin pairs with a total twin birth weight above 90th percentile) to "normally grown twins" (twin pairs with a total twin birth weight between 50th and 90th percentile).

Methods

We evaluated data (maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes) of dichorionic–diamniotic twins born at 34 weeks of gestational age or later over a sixteen-year period (2002–2018) in two birth weight groups. We excluded twin pairs born before 34th week of gestation and discordant twin pairs. We used data from the Slovenian National Perinatal Information System.To define the percentiles, twin-specific growth curves have been used.

Results

Our study population consisted of 390 twin pregnancies with a twin total birth weight over 90th percentile and 1618 pregnancies with a total twin birth weight between 50th and 90th percentile for gestational age. Women in "growth promoted" twin group were significantly taller, heavier and more often multiparous. There was a higher incidence of gestational diabetes (10.8% vs 7.3%, OR 1.53 95% CI 1.06 – 2.22), a lower rate of caesarean births (48.2% vs 53.9%, OR 0.80 CI 0.64 – 0.99) and lower rate of assisted reproduction (21.0% vs 27.1%, OR 0.71 CI 0.55 – 0.93) in women in "growth promoted" twin group. There were no statistically significant differences in neonatal outcomes in both groups.

Conclusion

In contrast to macrosomia in singletons, macrosomia in twins does not appear to increase the risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.

Influence of overweight and obesity on perinatal outcomes in assisted reproduction: a retrospective cohort study

Background

In spontaneous pregnancies, maternal weight and gestational diabetes are independent risk factors for macrosomia and large-for-gestational-age newborns. Furthermore, maternal body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m² is associated with worse neonatal vitality, classified as an Apgar score of < 7 at the fifth minute of life. However, few studies have evaluated the influence of BMI on perinatal outcomes in pregnancies resulting from assisted reproduction. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze whether the perinatal outcomes of assisted reproduction are influenced by BMI.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a reproductive medicine center. Patients undergoing assisted reproduction (2013–2020) were divided into three groups according to their BMI (kg/m²): group 1, < 25; group 2, 25–29.9, and group 3, ≥30. In total, 1753 in vitro fertilization embryo transfer cycles were analyzed. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or frequency (%). The analysis of variance and chi-square test were performed for comparison. To determine the participants and number of cycles for these analyses, generalized estimating equations were used, considering p < 0.05.

Results

In groups 1, 2, and 3, the rates of live birth were 33.5, 32.3, and 29.9% (p = 0.668); preeclampsia were 2.9, 6.1, and 6.3% (p = 0.268); small-for-gestational-age newborns were 23, 23.2, and 21.7% (p = 0.965); macrosomia were 1.9, 0.9, and 2.7% (p = 0.708); Apgar score > 7 at the fifth minute were 97.6, 98.2, and 100% (p = 0.616); and preterm birth were 29.6, 30.1, and 35.1% (p = 0.970), respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, although the three groups had similar perinatal outcomes in this study, the study population was too small for conclusive results. The higher the BMI, the lower the chances of clinically relevant LBR and the higher the chances of premature labor and preeclampsia.

Interactive Affection of Pre-Pregnancy Overweight or Obesity, Excessive Gestational Weight Gain and Glucose Tolerance Test Characteristics on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose

To examine the combined effect of pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, and glucose tolerance status on the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A observational study including 5529 gestational diabetes mellitus patients was performed. Logistic regression were used to assess the independent and multiplicative interactions of overweight or obese, excessive gestational weight gain, abnormal items of oral glucose tolerance test and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additive interactions were calculated using an Excel sheet developed by Anderson to calculate relative excess risk.

Results

Overall 1076(19.46%) study subject were overweight or obese and 1858(33.60%) women gained weight above recommended. Based on IADPSG criteria, more than one-third women with two, or three abnormal glucose values. Preconception overweight or obesity, above recommended gestational weight gain, and two or more abnormal items of oral glucose tolerance test parameters significantly increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, separately. After accounting for confounders, each two of overweight or obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, two or more abnormal items of OGTT parameters, the pairwise interactions on adverse pregnancy outcomes appear to be multiplicative. Coexistence of preconception overweight or obesity, above recommended gestational weight gain and two or more abnormal items of oral glucose tolerance test parameters increased the highest risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. No additive interaction was found.

Conclusions

Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, two or more abnormal items of OGTT parameters contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes independently among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the combined effect between these three factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes appear to be multiplicative. Interventions focus on maternal overweight or obesity and gestational weight gain should be offered to improve pregnancy outcomes.

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

Objective

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse pregnancy outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse outcomes of pregnancy after adjustment for at least minimal confounding factors.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, from 1 January 1990 to 1 November 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

Cohort studies and control arms of trials reporting complications of pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus were eligible for inclusion. Based on the use of insulin, studies were divided into three subgroups: no insulin use (patients never used insulin during the course of the disease), insulin use (different proportions of patients were treated with insulin), and insulin use not reported. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the status of the country (developed or developing), quality of the study, diagnostic criteria, and screening method. Meta-regression models were applied based on the proportion of patients who had received insulin.

RESULTS

156 studies with 7 506 061 pregnancies were included, and 50 (32.1%) showed a low or medium risk of bias. In studies with no insulin use, when adjusted for confounders, women with gestational diabetes mellitus had increased odds of caesarean section (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.32), preterm delivery (1.51, 1.26 to 1.80), low one minute Apgar score (1.43, 1.01 to 2.03), macrosomia (1.70, 1.23 to 2.36), and infant born large for gestational age (1.57, 1.25 to 1.97). In studies with insulin use, when adjusted for confounders, the odds of having an infant large for gestational age (odds ratio 1.61, 1.09 to 2.37), or with respiratory distress syndrome (1.57, 1.19 to 2.08) or neonatal jaundice (1.28, 1.02 to 1.62), or requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (2.29, 1.59 to 3.31), were higher in women with gestational diabetes mellitus than in those without diabetes. No clear evidence was found for differences in the odds of instrumental delivery, shoulder dystocia, postpartum haemorrhage, stillbirth, neonatal death, low five minute Apgar score, low birth weight, and small for gestational age between women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus after adjusting for confounders. Country status, adjustment for body mass index, and screening methods significantly contributed to heterogeneity between studies for several adverse outcomes of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

When adjusted for confounders, gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with pregnancy complications. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the adverse outcomes of pregnancy related to gestational diabetes mellitus. Future primary studies should routinely consider adjusting for a more complete set of prognostic factors.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021265837.

Prediction of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Using Crown-Rump Length at 11 to 13 + 6 Weeks of Gestation

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk of a fetus with a smaller or larger than expected crown-rump length (CRL) for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

The data of 960 healthy singleton pregnancies conceived via in vitro fertilization were retrospectively collected. Fetal CRL was measured between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation, and small and large fetal CRLs were defined as fetuses below the 10th and above the 90th centiles, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

The mean birth weights of fetuses with small, normal, and large CRLs were 3002 g, 3205 g, and 3378 g, respectively. A small fetal CRL was associated with an increased risk of smaller-than-gestational-age neonates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-5.08; P < .001) and preterm delivery before 34 gestational weeks (aOR, 6.48; 95% CI, 1.36-30.79; P = .019). A large fetal CRL was associated with an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates, and the risk persisted even after adjustment for well-known risk factors of macrosomia, such as pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational diabetes, and excessive gestational weight gain (aOR, 3.67; 95% CI, 2.04-6.59; P < .001). However, a large fetal CRL was associated with a decreased risk of gestational diabetes (aOR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.76; P = .026).

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal CRL measured at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks gestation is worth using as a predictor of LGA as well as small for gestational age or preterm delivery.

Body mass index and gestational weight gain: relevance in gestational diabetes and outcomes - A retrospective cohort study

Objective

To evaluate the influence of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on blood glucose levels at diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obstetric/neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including 462 women with GDM and singleton pregnancy delivered in our institution between January 2015 and June 2018 and grouped according to BMI/GWG.

Results

The diagnosis of GDM was more likely to be established in the 1^st trimester (T) in women with obesity than in normal-weight (55.8% vs 53.7%, p = 0.008). BMI positively and significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in the 1^stT (rs = 0.213, p = 0.001) and 2^ndT (rs = 0.210, p = 0.001). Excessive GWG occurred in 44.9% women with overweight and in 40.2% with obesity (p < 0.001). From women with obesity, 65.1% required pharmacological treatment (p < 0.001). Gestational hypertension (GH) was more frequent in women with obesity (p = 0.016). During follow-up, 132 cesareans were performed, the majority in mothers with obesity (p = 0.008). Of the 17 large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birthweight delivered, respectively 6 and 9 were offsprings of women with overweight and obesity (p = 0.019). Maternal BMI had a predictive value only for macrosomia [aOR 1.177 (1.006-1.376), p = 0.041]. BMI and GWG positively correlated with birthweight (rs = 0.132, p = 0.005; rs = 0.188, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Maternal obesity is related with a major probability of diagnosis of GDM in 1^stT, fasting hyperglycemia in 2^ndT and a more frequent need for pharmacological therapy. Pre-gestational obesity is associated with GH, cesarean delivery and fetal macrosomia.

Prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain are associated with maternal and infant adverse outcomes in Chinese women with gestational diabetes

The gestational weight gain (GWG) range of Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. Our objective was to identify the ranges of GWG in Chinese women with GDM and to investigate the associations between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), GWG and maternal-infant adverse outcomes. Cases of GDM women who delivered singletons from 2013 to 2018 in a public hospital were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the joint effects of prepregnancy BMI and GWG on maternal-infant adverse outcomes. Ultimately, 14,578 women were collected. The ranges of GWG in Chinese women with GDM were different from the National Academy of Medicine's (NAM) recommendation. The ranges of GWG of Chinese women with GDM in the underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 5.95-21.95 kg, 4.23-21.83 kg, 0.88-21.12 kg and - 1.76 to 19.95 kg, respectively. The risks of large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia and caesarean delivery were significantly increased with the increasing prepregnancy BMI. Furthermore, the risks of LGA, macrosomia and caesarean delivery were significantly higher in the normal weight group with a GWG higher than the NAM recommendation. Similarly, in the overweight group with a GWG higher than the NAM recommendation, the risks of LGA were significantly higher, while the risks of macrosomia were significantly lower. Overall, we determined the range of GWG in different prepregnancy BMI groups. And GDM women with high prepregnancy BMI and excessive GWG were associated with the higher risks of maternal-infants adverse outcomes in China.

Associations of maternal and infant metabolite profiles with foetal growth and the odds of adverse birth outcomes

BACKGROUND

Adaptations in maternal and foetal metabolic pathways may predispose to altered foetal growth and adverse birth outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the associations of maternal early-pregnancy metabolite profiles and infant metabolite profiles at birth with foetal growth from first trimester onwards and the odds of adverse birth outcomes.

METHODS

In a prospective population-based cohort among 976 Dutch pregnant women and their children, serum concentrations of amino acids, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), phospholipids (PL) and carnitines in maternal early-pregnancy blood and in cord blood were obtained by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Information on foetal growth was available from first trimester onwards.

RESULTS

After false discovery rate correction for multiple testing, higher infant total and individual NEFA concentrations were associated with a lower weight, length, and head circumference at birth. Higher infant total and individual acyl-lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso.PC.a) and alkyl-lysophosphatidylcholine concentrations were associated with higher weight and head circumference (lyso.PC.a only) at birth, higher odds of LGA and lower odds of SGA. Few individual maternal metabolites were associated with foetal growth measures in third trimester and at birth, but not with the odds of adverse birth outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that infant metabolite profiles, particularly total and individual lyso.PC.a and NEFA concentrations, were strongly related to growth measures at birth and the odds of adverse birth outcomes. Few individual maternal early-pregnancy metabolites, but not total metabolite concentrations, are associated with foetal growth measures in third trimester and at birth.

When husband migrate: effects of international migration of husbands on fetal outcomes, body mass index and gestational weight of female spouses that stay behind

BACKGROUND

International labour migration continues to be an integral component in Sri Lanka's economic development. Previous research indicates an adverse perinatal outcome in association with low maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (PBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG). However, evidence of this association is limited in migrant families. This study aims to investigate the associations between PBMI, GWG among lactating mothers (LM), and fetal outcomes in migrant households, where the father is the migrant worker.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was done using a nationally representative sample of 7,199 LM. There were 284 LM whose husbands were international migrant workers. Maternal factors were taken as PBMI<18.5 kg/m² and GWG<7kg. Preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) were taken as fetal outcomes. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the associated factors.

RESULTS

There was significant difference between LM from migrant and non-migrant households with regards to place of residency, ethnicity, household monthly income, household food security, average household members, husband's education and husband's age. Among migrant, PBMI<18.5 kg/m² was associated with current BMI and mode of delivery. Migrant LM had significantly higher weight gain (≥12 kg) during pregnancy (p=0.005), were multiparous (p=0.008), delivered in private hospital (p=0.000), lesser percentage of underweight (p=0.002) and higher birthweight (p=0.03) than non-migrant LM. Logistic regression model revealed that for each kilogram increment in birthweight and GWG, preterm delivery decreased by 89%(OR=0.11;95%CI:0.04-0.28) and LBW decreased by 12%(OR=0.89;95%CI:0.81-0.97) respectively. Caesarean deliveries were positively associated with low GWG.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed LM in migrant families had invested remittances to utilize private health facilities for deliveries, to improve weight gain during pregnancy and adequate PBMI to deliver higher birth weight babies. In depth study is needed to understand further utilisation of remittances to improve fetal outcomes by increasing birthweight and GWG in migrant families.

Goals for reaching optimal wellness (GROWell): A clinical trial protocol of a digital dietary intervention for pregnant and postpartum people with prenatal overweight or obesity

Background:

Excess gestational weight gain (EGWG) is associated with multiple pregnancy complications and health risks for birthing people and their infants. Likewise, postpartum weight retention (PPWR), or not losing all pregnancy weight, has long-term health consequences. EGWG among people who enter pregnancy with overweight or obesity have worse obstetric outcomes and increased PPWR compared to women who gain within Institute of Medicine guidelines.

Methods:

This study protocol describes the details of a blinded, randomized clinical trial of GROWell: Goals for Reaching Optimal Wellness, a mHealth tool designed to improve diet quality among people who enter pregnancy with overweight or obese BMIs to help them achieve appropriate GWG and safe postpartum pregnancy weight loss. Individuals with overweight and obesity will be randomly assigned to an attention control or intervention arm. The intervention group will receive personalized, goal-oriented text messages regarding dietary choices, while the attention control group will receive text messages about healthy pregnancy, labor, delivery, and early infancy. Both groups will complete online surveys at baseline, follow up, 3 and 6 months postpartum.

Results and discussion:

Currently, 162 subjects have been enrolled. Outcomes associated with GWG and pregnancy are expected in late 2023, while outcomes on postpartum weight retention GROWell adherence are expected in late 2024. The results of this trial will support the use of an evidence-based mHealth tool to be integrated into clinical practice to reduce EGWG and PPWR among pregnant people with overweight and obese BMIs, a resource that is currently lacking.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04449432. Registered on June 26, 2020.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Prevalence of maternal obesity at delivery and association with maternal and neonatal outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Maternal obesity has been linked to adverse outcomes for mothers and their offspring, including, but not limited to gestational hypertension (gHTN), gestational diabetes (GDM), pre-eclampsia, fetal macrosomia, and emergency cesarean section. Recent investigations have also shown that obesity, as defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, especially severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40), is a risk factor for both hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and association of maternal obesity at delivery with adverse antenatal, intrapartum, and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of consecutive delivering patients at a tertiary care center in Iowa from May to September 2020. A secondary objective is to determine if maternal obesity has any relationship to past or current COVID-19 infection status at the time of delivery. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study to analyze obstetric outcomes among COVID-19 infected and uninfected patients.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study using demographic and clinical data obtained from the electronic medical record. Excess plasma was collected from routine blood samples obtained at delivery admission to determine the seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibody using the DiaSorin and Roche antibody assays. Frequency variables were each calculated separately, and a comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes was conducted using the generalized linear mixed modeling (GLMM) framework to account for varying distributions (normal and binary).

RESULTS

1001 women delivered during the study period and 89.7% met criteria for being overweight or obese; 17.9% met criteria for severe obesity. Women with obesity had 49.8% lower odds of possessing private insurance, and women with severe obesity were less than half as likely to plan to breastfeed at the time of discharge. Women with obesity of any kind had a significantly increased odds of GDM and gHTN, and an increased risk of an infant with macrosomia, hypoglycemia, and NICU admission. No significant association was found between BMI and COVID-19 infection or disease severity.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insight into obstetric complications facing women with obesity, especially those with severe obesity. This report serves to highlight potential challenges, such as insurance status and labor complications, that impact women of high BMI to a greater degree when compared to their normal-weight counterparts.

Induction of labor for a suspected large-for-gestational-age/macrosomic fetus

Fetal macrosomia is defined as a birth weight of >4000 g, while the term large for gestational age (LGA) is defined as an estimated fetal weight >90th centile for gestational age. Current data indicate that a significant proportion of the babies are LGA. Pregnancies involving LGA babies are associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity including caesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and birth trauma. To reduce these complications, labor induction has been suggested as a possible solution. However, despite some high-quality evidence in favor of labor induction for suspected macrosomia/LGA, existing guidelines do not support routine induction of labor in this population. The aim of this paper is to critically appraise the available evidence and clinical practice recommendations and highlight the importance of shared decision making and individualized care based on clear counselling regarding the lack of a sensitive diagnostic tool for estimating fetal weight in the third trimester.

Macrosomia and its predictors in pregnant women with diabetes in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

To estimate the prevalence of macrosomia and contributing factors among pregnant women with diabetes in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science electronic databases and grey literature found in online university repositories were searched for primary studies reporting the prevalence of macrosomia (birth weight ≥4 kg, irrespective of gestational age) and/or at least one determinant factor using WHO diabetes diagnosis criteria were involved. Variations across the studies were checked using the I²  statistic; funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. A weighted inverse random effect model was used to estimate the overall prevalence of macrosomia.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of macrosomic newborns among pregnant women with diabetes [15.1% (95% CI: 9.0%, 21.2%)] was higher than the prevalence among non-diabetic mothers (3.9%). Maternal blood glucose level >100 mg/dl [AOR = 10.5: 95% CI: 5.9, 15.1] and >120 mg/dl [AOR = 8.8: 95% CI: 4.5, 13.0], lack of Antenatal Care (ANC) visit [AOR = 10.8: 95% CI: 6.0, 15.0], previous adverse birth outcomes and advanced maternal age [AOR = 3.5: 95% CI: 1.0, 5.9] were significantly associated with the prevalence of macrosomia at 95% CI.

CONCLUSION

The pooled prevalence of macrosomia among pregnant women with diabetes was higher than the prevalence among non-diabetic pregnant women (3.9%). Advanced maternal age, previous adverse birth outcomes, lack of ANC and uncontrolled maternal plasma glucose level were independent predictors of macrosomia.

Institute of Medicine Recommendations on the Rate of Gestational Weight Gain and Perinatal Outcomes in Rural Bangladesh

Although validated in other parts of the world, the suitability of the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 recommendations on gestational weight gain (GWG) for Bangladeshi women remains to be examined. We evaluated the association between the weekly rate of weight gain during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, categorized according to IOM recommendations, and adverse perinatal outcomes among 1569 pregnant women with singleton live births in rural Matlab, Bangladesh. Gaining weight at rates below the IOM recommendations was associated with higher odds of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6), low birth weight (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.03-2.0), small-for-gestational-age newborns (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.04-1.7), and poor neonatal outcome (severe neonatal morbidity or death, AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.03-5.6). A GWG rate above the recommendations was associated with higher odds of cesarean delivery (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.6), preterm birth (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4), large-for-gestational-age newborns (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 1.5-23.1), and poor neonatal outcome (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.04-7.0). Our results suggest that the IOM 2009 recommendations on GWG rate during the second and third trimester may be suitable for guiding rural Bangladeshi women in the prenatal period, although the women should aim for rates near the lower bound of the range.

The risk of diabetes after giving birth to a macrosomic infant: data from the NHANES cohort

Aims

Gestational diabetes (GDM) increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and thus warrants earlier and more frequent screening. Women who give birth to a macrosomic infant, as defined as a birthweight greater than 9 lbs. (or approximately 4000 g), are encouraged to also get early type 2 diabetes screening, as macrosomia may be a surrogate marker for GDM. This study investigates whether a macrosomic infant, as defined as 9lbs, apart from GDM, increases the risk for diabetes later in life.

Methods

Data on parous women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2016 were utilized. Rates of diabetes were compared in those with and without macrosomic infants in Rao-Scott’s chi-square test. Multiple logistic regression was used to test the independent effect of macrosomia on type 2 diabetes controlling for the confounding covariates and adjusting for the complex sampling design. To investigate how onset time affects diabetes, we implemented Cox proportional hazard regressions on time to have diabetes.

Results

Among 10,089 parous women, macrosomia significantly increased the risk of maternal diabetes later in life in the chi-square test and logistic regression. Independent of GDM, women who deliver a macrosomic infant have a 20% higher chance of developing diabetes compared to women who did not. The expected hazards of having type 2 diabetes is 1.66 times higher in a woman with macrosomic infant compared to counterparts.

Conclusions

Women who gave birth to a macrosomic infant in the absence of GDM should be offered earlier and more frequent screening for type 2 diabetes.

The factors affecting the physical development of neonates in pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

To explore the factors affecting neonatal physical development in pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

The subjects were selected from the pregnant woman giving birth in 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, from November 2015 to May 2016. The age, occupation, education level, gestational age, body weight before pregnancy, body weight at delivery, body height, delivery pattern, GDM status of pregnant women and neonatal gender, birth weight (BW), chest circumference (CC), head circumference (HC) and birth length (BL) were collected through medical records and questionnaires. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and studied.

RESULTS

The significant differences were found between women with GDM and without GDM in following neonatal variables (P<0.05): BW, CC, and HC. GDM status increased the incidence of macrosomia (OR = 2.241, 95% CI: 1.406-3.573), large CC (OR = 2.470, 95% CI: 1.687-3.6153). Gestational weight gain (GWG) above IOM guideline was risk factor for macrosomia (OR = 1.763, 95% CI:1.098-2.833), large HC (OR = 1,584, 95% CI: 1.093-2.296) and large CC (OR = 1.707, 95% CI:1.163-2.506). Underweight was risk factor for short BL (OR = 2.543, 95% CI:1.161-5.571) and small CC (OR = 1.901, 95% CI:1.064-3.394). Female neonate was prone to appear short BL(OR = 2.831, 95% CI: 1.478-5.422) and small HC (OR = 2.750, 95% CI: 1.413-5.350), and not likely to macrosomia (OR = 0.538, 95% CI: 0.343-0.843), longer BL (OR = 0.584, 95% CI: 0.401-0.850), large HC (OR = 0.501, 95% CI: 0.352-0.713), and (OR = 0.640, 95% CI: 0.446-0.917). For women with GDM, gestational age was an risk factor of neonatal BW (low BW: OR = 0.207, 95% CI: 0.085-0.503; macrosomia: OR = 1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.276), BL (short BL: OR = 0.376, 95% CI: 0.241-0.585; long BL: OR = 1.422, 95% CI: 1.054-1.919), HC (small HC: OR = 0.343, 95% CI: 0.202-0.583; large HC: OR = 1.399, 95% CI: 1.063-1.842) and CC (small CC: OR = 0.524, 95% CI: 0.374-0.733; large CC: OR = 1.485, 95% CI: 1.138-1.936).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, gestational age, GDM status, neonatal gender, GWG and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) are associated the abnormal physical development of neonates. In women with GDM, gestational age was correlate with neonatal abnormal physical developments.

Factors associated with small- and large-for-gestational-age in socioeconomically vulnerable individuals in the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort

BACKGROUND

Evidence points to diverse risk factors associated with small- (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births. A more comprehensive understanding of these factors is imperative, especially in vulnerable populations.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the occurrence of and sociodemographic factors associated with SGA and LGA births in poor and extremely poor populations of Brazil.

METHODS

The study population consisted of women of reproductive age (14-49 y), whose last child was born between 2012 and 2015. INTERGROWTH 21st consortium criteria were used to classify weight for gestational age according to sex. Multinomial logistic regression modeling was performed to investigate associations of interest.

RESULTS

Of 5,521,517 live births analyzed, SGA and LGA corresponded to 7.8% and 17.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed greater odds of SGA in children born to women who self-reported as black (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.22), mixed-race (parda) (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.09), or indigenous (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.15), were unmarried (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.08), illiterate (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.42, 1.52), did not receive prenatal care (OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.53, 1.60), or were aged 14-20 y (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.22) or 35-49 y (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.13). Considering LGA children, higher odds were found in infants born to women living in households with ≥3 inadequate housing conditions (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.12), in indigenous women (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.25), those who had 1-3 y of schooling (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.19), 1-3 prenatal visits (OR: 1.16; CI 95%: 1.14, 1.17), or were older (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.27).

CONCLUSIONS

In poorer Brazilian populations, socioeconomic, racial, and maternal characteristics are consistently associated with the occurrence of SGA births, but remain less clearly linked to the occurrence of LGA births.

Gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain predicts fetal growth and neonatal outcomes

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are salient predictors of pregnancy-outcomes. However, findings on the association between GDM, BMI, and GWG with fetal growth measures are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GDM on fetal growth measures and birth outcomes.

METHODS

All participants came from Tongji Maternal and Child health cohort, in which pregnant women were enrolled before 16 weeks of gestation and had their weights measured regularly during antenatal visits. GDM was diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound measurements of fetal bi-parietal diameters (BPD), head circumferences (HC), abdominal circumferences (AC) and femur length (FL) before birth were collected and neonate outcomes were obtained from the hospital records. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression to assess the association of GDM, pre-pregnancy BMI, and GWG with fetal growth measures of ultrasound and birth outcomes, while controlling confounding.

RESULTS

Of 3253 singleton pregnant women, 293 (9.0%) were diagnosed with GDM, 357 (11.0%) were overweight before pregnancy, and 1995 (61.3%) had excessive GWG. GDM was associated with decreased intrauterine fetal growth measurements including BPD and AC. Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight was associated with increased fetal HC and neonatal birth weight and length, women gained excessive GWG had increased fetal growth measurements of BPD, HC, AC, FL, neonatal birth weight and length. Offspring of GDM women had increased odds of cesarean section 1.31 (1.03, 1.66) and preterm birth 2.02 (1.05, 3.91) in unadjusted models, but these associations disappeared after adjustment. Compared with neonate born to mothers with normal pre-pregnancy weight, those born to underweight mother had higher risk of SGA, and lower risk of cesarean section, LGA and macrosamia, whereas those born to overweight mother had increased risk of cesarean section, LGA and macrosamia. Compared with neonate born to mothers of adequate GWG, neonate of women with excessive GWG had elevated risk of cesarean section, LGA and macrosamia, but lower risk of preterm birth and SGA.

CONCLUSION

Pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG and GDM all associated with fetal growth and birth outcomes. The effect of GDM decreased after adjusting pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG. Early screening and management of GDM, preventing excessive GWG could help protect fetuses of GDM mothers from adverse birth outcomes.

Fetal macrosomia in home and birth center births in the United States: Maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes

BACKGROUND

Fetal macrosomia is associated with negative outcomes, although less is known about how severities of macrosomia influence these outcomes. Planned community births in the United States have higher rates of gestational age-adjusted macrosomia than planned hospital births, providing a novel population to examine macrosomia morbidity.

METHODS

Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with grade 1 (4000-4499 g), grade 2 (4500-4999 g), and grade 3 (≥5000 g) macrosomia were compared to normal birthweight newborns (2500-3999 g), using data from the MANA Statistics Project-a registry of planned community births, 2012-2018 (n = 68 966). Outcomes included perineal trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean birth, neonatal birth injury, shoulder dystocia, neonatal respiratory distress, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay >24 hours, and perinatal death. Logistic regressions controlled for parity and mode of birth, obesity, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.

RESULTS

Sixteen percent of the sample were grade 1 macrosomic, 3.3% were grade 2 macrosomic, and 0.4% were grade 3 macrosomic. Macrosomia grades 1-3 were associated in a dose-response fashion with higher odds of all outcomes, compared to non-macrosomia. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for postpartum hemorrhage for grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 macrosomia vs normal birthweight were 1.75 (1.56-1.96), 2.12 (1.70-2.63), and 5.18 (3.47-7.74), respectively. Other outcomes had similar patterns.

DISCUSSION

The adjusted odds of negative outcomes increase as grade of macrosomia increases in planned community births; results are comparable with the published literature. Pre-birth fetal weight estimation is imprecise; prenatal supports and shared decision-making processes should reflect these complexities.

Gestational diabetes mellitus: Prevention, diagnosis and treatment. A fresh look to a busy corner

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by hyperglycaemia with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Risk factors include family history of diabetes, previous GDM, genetic predisposition for GDM/type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance conditions such as overweight, obesity and ethnicity. Women with GDM are at high risk for fetal macrosomia, small for gestational age, neonatal hypoglycaemia, operative delivery and caesarean delivery. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the most recent findings of diagnosis and treatment of GDM in order to underline the importance to promote adequate prevention of this disease, especially through lifestyle interventions such as diet and physical activity.

METHODS

The research was conducted using the following electronic databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID and Cochrane Library, including all published randomized and non-randomized studies as well as narrative and systematic reviews.

RESULTS

The lack of universally accepted criteria makes the definition of diagnosis and prognosis of this condition difficult. Early diagnosis and glucose blood level control may improve maternal and fetal short and long-term outcomes. Treatment strategies include nutritional interventions and exercise. Medical treatment can be necessary if these strategies are not effective. Moreover, novel non-pharmacologic agents such as myo-inositol seem to be effective and safe both in the prevention and the treatment of GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to promote adequate prevention of GDM. Further studies are needed in order to better define the most appropriate strategies for the clinical management of women affected by GDM.

Maternal nutritional status in diabetes mellitus and neonatal characteristics at birth

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the nutritional status of women with diagnosis of Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy and the newborns' characteristics in relation to health conditions at birth.

METHODS

transversal study with data from 394 electronic medical charts (197 newborn and 197 mothers), between 2017 and 2018. Descriptive and analytical statistics.

RESULTS

there was prevalence of women with Gestational Diabetes (78.2%), followed by Type II Diabetes (13.7%) and Type I Diabetes (8.1%), and of term births (85.3%) and cesarean deliveries (54.8%). Type I Diabetes was associated to earlier gestational age at birth (p>0.001) and obesity during pregnancy was associated to higher birth weight of newborns (p=0.024). Clinical complications occurred in 37.6% of newborns. Among complications, Type I Diabetes was associated with respiratory disorder (p=0.005), and prematurity was associated with mother's overweight/obesity (p=0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

we strongly advise about the need of metabolic and nutritional control during gestations that course with Diabetes mellitus, due occurrence of negative consequences to the newborn´s health at birth.

Sonographic and other nonglycemic factors can predict large-for-gestational-age infants in diet-managed gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Left untreated or poorly controlled, GDM results in adverse infant outcomes such as large for gestational age (LGA). This study aims to identify nonglycemic maternal and fetal factors predictive of LGA outcomes in pregnancies complicated by diet-managed GDM.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies complicated by diet-managed GDM from 2004 to 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on maternal and perinatal factors to identify risk factors for LGA. In addition, a subset univariate analysis was conducted for pregnancies in which fetal ultrasound abdominal circumference measurements were available at gestational weeks 18 to 22, 24 to 28, and 29 to 33.

RESULTS

A total of 1064 women were included, delivering 123 LGA infants. Women with higher parity (odds ratio [OR] 1.44; CI, 1.23-1.68; P < .001) and higher prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.09; CI, 1.06-1.12; P < .001) were more likely to have LGA infants. Maternal smoking (OR 0.30; CI, 0.14-0.62; P = .001) and higher gestational age at birth (OR 0.91; CI, 0.84-0.99; P = .018) were associated with reduced risk. Subset univariate analysis showed that fetal abdominal circumference measurements at weeks 24 to 28 and 29 to 33 beyond the 75th percentile (OR 5.92 and 13.74, respectively) and 90th percentile (OR 4.57 and 15.89, respectively) were highly predictive of LGA.

CONCLUSIONS

Parity, smoking status, maternal BMI, gestational age, and ultrasound fetal abdominal circumference measurements were identified as useful predictors of LGA. Presence of these predictors may prompt closer monitoring of pregnancy and early therapeutic intervention to improve management and reduce the risk of adverse fetal and maternal outcomes.

Dietary Intervention in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes; Protocol for the DiGest Randomised Controlled Trial

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) annually affects 35,000 pregnancies in the United Kingdom, causing suboptimal health outcomes to the mother and child. Obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are risk factors for GDM. The Institute of Medicine recommends weight targets for women that are overweight and obese, however, there are no clear guidelines for women with GDM. Observational data suggest that modest weight loss (0.6-2 kg) after 28 weeks may reduce risk of caesarean section, large-for-gestational-age (LGA), and maternal postnatal glycaemia. This protocol for a multicentre randomised double-blind controlled trial aims to identify if a fully controlled reduced energy diet in GDM pregnancy improves infant birthweight and reduces maternal weight gain (primary outcomes). A total of 500 women with GDM (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2015 criteria) and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 will be randomised to receive a standard (2000 kcal/day) or reduced energy (1200 kcal/day) diet box containing all meals and snacks from 28 weeks to delivery. Women and caregivers will be blinded to the allocations. Food diaries, continuous glucose monitoring, and anthropometry will measure dietary compliance, glucose levels, and weight changes. Women will receive standard antenatal GDM management (insulin/metformin) according to NICE guidelines. The secondary endpoints include caesarean section rates, LGA, and maternal postnatal glucose concentrations.

Effect of PM2.5 on macrosomia in China: A nationwide prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Macrosomia is associated with both neonatal complications and adult diseases (obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc.). Previous studies have reported maternal exposure to PM2.5 might influence metabolism and fetal development and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Studies conducted in areas with low PM2.5 concentration have found relationship between gestational PM2.5 exposure and birth weight. However, the impact of air pollution on macrosomia has not been studied, especially in highly polluted areas.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during pregnancy and the risk of macrosomia.

METHODS

Data from preconception health examination and prenatal and postnatal records were collected from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012 in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project. Monthly mean of PM2.5 concentration during pregnancy was estimated from satellite data using an ensemble machine learning model. A newborn with birth weight above 4000 g was defined as macrosomia. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between maternal exposure to PM2.5 and the risk of macrosomia, after adjusting for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, parity, neonatal sex, duration of gestation, seasonality, educational level, smoking and drinking habits, past history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and family history of diabetes mellitus. Restricted cubic spline models were used to evaluate the dose-response relationship between the risk of macrosomia and PM2.5 concentration.

RESULTS

Of 177 841 singleton nonlow birth weight newborns included, 14 598 (8.2%) had macrosomia. The mean PM2.5 concentrations were 70.7, 71.5, and 80.9 μg/m³ in the first, second, and third trimesters. In full-adjusted logistic regression models, significant associations were found between increased risk of macrosomia and every 10 μg/m³ increase of PM2.5 concentration over the first (odds ratio [OR]: 1.045; 95% CI, 1.037-1.052), second (OR: 1.035; 95% CI, 1.028-1.043), and third (OR: 1.033; 95% CI, 1.026-1.039) trimesters. There was a nonlinear does-response association between PM2.5 concentration and the risk of macrosomia.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of macrosomia in China.

Maternal and birth cohort studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We systematically reviewed and chronicled exposures and outcomes measured in the maternal and birth cohort studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and quantitatively summarized the weighted effect estimates between maternal obesity and (1) cesarean section (CS) and (2) fetal macrosomia.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE-PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases up to 30 June 2019. We considered all maternal and birth cohort studies conducted in the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE)). We categorized cohort studies on the basis of the exposure(s) (anthropometric, environmental, medical, maternal/reproductive, perinatal, or socioeconomic) and outcome(s) (maternal or birth) being measured. Adjusted weighted effect estimates, in the form of relative risks, between maternal obesity and CS and fetal macrosomia were generated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of 3502 citations, 81 published cohort studies were included. One cohort study was in Bahrain, eight in Kuwait, seven in Qatar, six in Oman, 52 in Saudi Arabia, and seven in the UAE. Majority of the exposures studied were maternal/reproductive (65.2%) or medical (39.5%). Birth and maternal outcomes were reported in 82.7% and in 74.1% of the cohort studies, respectively. In Saudi Arabia, babies born to obese women were at a higher risk of macrosomia (adjusted relative risk (aRR), 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-1.20; I2 = 50%) or cesarean section (aRR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15-1.26; I2 = 62.0%). Several cohort studies were only descriptive without reporting the magnitude of the effect estimate between the assessed exposures and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Cohort studies in the GCC have predominantly focused on reproductive and medical exposures. Obese pregnant women are at an increased risk of undergoing CS delivery or macrosomic births. Longer-term studies that explore a wider range of environmental and biological exposures and outcomes relevant to the GCC region are needed.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42017068910.

Excessive Weight Gain Before and During Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Management: What Is the Impact?

OBJECTIVE

Conventional gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) management focuses on managing blood glucose in order to prevent adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that excessive weight gain at first presentation with GDM (excessive gestational weight gain [EGWG]) and continued EGWG (cEGWG) after commencing GDM management would increase the risk of adverse outcomes, despite treatment to optimize glycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data collected prospectively from pregnant women with GDM at a single institution were analyzed. GDM was diagnosed on the basis of Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society 1998 guidelines (1992-2015). EGWG means having exceeded the upper limit of the Institute of Medicine-recommended target ranges for the entire pregnancy, by GDM presentation. The relationship between EGWG and antenatal 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) values and adverse outcomes was evaluated. Relationships were examined between cEGWG, insulin requirements, and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants.

RESULTS

Of 3,281 pregnant women, 776 (23.6%) had EGWG. Women with EGWG had higher mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) on oGTT (5.2 mmol/L [95% CI 5.1-5.3] vs. 5.0 mmol/L [95% CI 4.9-5.0]; P < 0.01), after adjusting for confounders, and more often received insulin therapy (47.0% vs. 33.6%; P < 0.0001), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.4 (95% CI 1.1-1.7; P < 0.01). aORs for each 2-kg increment of cEGWG were a 1.3-fold higher use of insulin therapy (95% CI 1.1-1.5; P < 0.001), an 8-unit increase in final daily insulin dose (95% CI 5.4-11.0; P < 0.0001), and a 1.4-fold increase in the rate of delivery of LGA infants (95% CI 1.2-1.7; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of EGWG and restricting cEGWG in GDM have a mitigating effect on oGTT-based FPG, the risk of having an LGA infant, and insulin requirements.