Fetal Growth Biometry as Predictors of Shoulder Dystocia in a Low-Risk Obstetrical Population

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to evaluate fetal biometrics as predictors of shoulder dystocia (SD) in a low-risk obstetrical population.

STUDY DESIGN

 Participants were enrolled as part of a U.S.-based prospective cohort study of fetal growth in low-risk singleton gestations (n = 2,802). Eligible women had liveborn singletons ≥2,500 g delivered vaginally. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and pregnancy outcome data were abstracted by research staff. The diagnosis of SD was based on the recorded clinical impression of the delivering physician. Simple logistic regression models were used to examine associations between fetal biometrics and SD. Fetal biometric cut points, selected by Youden's J and clinical determination, were identified to optimize predictive capability. A final model for SD prediction was constructed using backward selection. Our dataset was randomly divided into training (60%) and test (40%) datasets for model building and internal validation.

RESULTS

 A total of 1,691 women (98.7%) had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, while 23 (1.3%) experienced SD. There were no differences in sociodemographic or maternal anthropometrics between groups. Epidural anesthesia use was significantly more common (100 vs. 82.4%; p = 0.03) among women who experienced SD compared with those who did not. Amniotic fluid maximal vertical pocket was also significantly greater among SD cases (5.8 ± 1.7 vs. 5.1 ± 1.5 cm; odds ratio = 1.32 [95% confidence interval: 1.03,1.69]). Several fetal biometric measures were significantly associated with SD when dichotomized based on clinically selected cut-off points. A final prediction model was internally valid with an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% confidence interval: 0.81, 0.99). At a model probability of 1%, sensitivity (71.4%), specificity (77.5%), positive (3.5%), and negative predictive values (99.6%) did not indicate the ability of the model to predict SD in a clinically meaningful way.

CONCLUSION

 Other than epidural anesthesia use, neither sociodemographic nor maternal anthropometrics were significantly associated with SD in this low-risk population. Both individually and in combination, fetal biometrics had limited ability to predict SD and lack clinical usefulness.

KEY POINTS

· SD unpredictable in low-risk women.. · Fetal biometry does not reliably predict SD.. · Epidural use associated with increased SD risk.. · SD prediction models clinically inefficient..

Nutritional Intake in Dichorionic Twin Pregnancies: A Descriptive Analysis of a Multisite United States Cohort

INTRODUCTION

Twin gestations have greater nutritional demands than singleton gestations, yet dietary intakes of women with twin gestations have not been well described.

METHODS

In a prospective, multi-site US study of 148 women with dichorionic twin gestations (2012-2013), we examined longitudinal changes in diet across pregnancy. Women completed a food frequency questionnaire during each trimester of pregnancy. We examined changes in means of total energy and energy-adjusted dietary components using linear mixed effects models.

RESULTS

Mean energy intake (95% CI) across the three trimesters was 2010 kcal/day (1846, 2175), 2177 kcal/day (2005, 2349), 2253 kcal/day (2056, 2450), respectively (P = 0.01), whereas the Healthy Eating Index-2010 was 63.9 (62.1, 65.6), 64.5 (62.6, 66.3), 63.2 (61.1, 65.3), respectively (P = 0.53).

DISCUSSION

Women with twin gestations moderately increased total energy as pregnancy progressed, though dietary composition and quality remained unchanged. These findings highlight aspects of nutritional intake that may need to be improved among women carrying twins.

Fetal Tachycardia in the Setting of Maternal Intrapartum Fever and Perinatal Morbidity

OBJECTIVE

 The fetal consequences of intrapartum fetal tachycardia with maternal fever or clinical chorioamnionitis are not well studied. We evaluated the association between perinatal morbidity and fetal tachycardia in the setting of intrapartum fever.

STUDY DESIGN

 Secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized control trial that enrolled 5,341 healthy laboring nulliparous women ≥36 weeks' gestation. Women with intrapartum fever ≥ 38.0°C (including those meeting criteria for clinical chorioamnionitis) after randomization were included in this analysis. Isolated fetal tachycardia was defined as fetal heart rate (FHR) ≥160 beats per minute for at least 10 minutes in the absence of other FHR abnormalities. FHR abnormalities other than tachycardia were excluded from the analysis. The primary outcome was a perinatal composite (5-minute Apgar's score ≤3, intubation, chest compressions, or mortality). Secondary outcomes included low arterial cord pH (pH < 7.20), base deficit ≥12, and cesarean delivery.

RESULTS

 A total of 986 (18.5%) of women in the trial developed intrapartum fever, and 728 (13.7%) met criteria to be analyzed; of these, 728 women 336 (46.2%) had maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) reviewer-defined fetal tachycardia, and 349 of the 550 (63.5%) women during the final hour of labor had validated software (PeriCALM) defined fetal tachycardia. After adjusting for confounders, isolated fetal tachycardia was not associated with a significant difference in the composite perinatal outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.15 [0.82-12.03]) compared with absence of tachycardia. Fetal tachycardia was associated with higher odds of arterial cord pH <7.2, aOR = 1.48 (1.01-2.17) and of infants with a base deficit ≥ 12, aOR = 2.42 (1.02-5.77), but no significant difference in the odds of cesarean delivery, aOR = 1.33 (0.97-1.82).

CONCLUSION

 Fetal tachycardia in the setting of intrapartum fever or chorioamnionitis is associated with significantly increased fetal acidemia defined as a pH <7.2 and base excess ≥12 but not with a composite perinatal morbidity.

KEY POINTS

· The perinatal outcomes associated with fetal tachycardia in the setting of maternal fever are undefined.. · Fetal tachycardia was not significantly associated with perinatal morbidity although the sample size was limited.. · Fetal tachycardia was associated with an arterial cord pH <7.2 and base deficit of 12 or greater..

The "30-minute rule" for expedited delivery: fact or fiction?

Initially developed from hospital feasibility data from the 1980s, the "30-minute rule" has perpetuated the belief that the decision-to-incision time in an emergency cesarean delivery should be <30 minutes to preserve favorable neonatal outcomes. Through a review of the history, available data on delivery timing and associated outcomes, and consideration of feasibility across several hospital systems, the use and applicability of this "rule" are explored, and its reconsideration is called for. Moreover, we have advocated for balanced consideration of maternal safety with rapidity of delivery, encouraged process-based approaches, and proposed standardization of terminology regarding delivery urgency. Furthermore, a standardized 4-tier classification system for delivery urgency, from class I, for a perceived threat to maternal or fetal life, to class IV, a scheduled delivery, and a call for further research with a standardized structure to facilitate comparison have been proposed.

Prenatal medication use in a prospective pregnancy cohort by pre-pregnancy obesity status

BACKGROUND

The association between obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) and pattern of medication use during pregnancy in the United States is not well-studied. Higher pre-pregnancy BMI may be associated with increases or decreases in medication use across pregnancy as symptoms (e.g. reflux) or comorbidities (e.g. gestational diabetes) requiring treatment that may be associated with higher BMI could also change with advancing gestation.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether prenatal medication use, by the number and types of medications, varies by pre-pregnancy obesity status.

METHODS

In a secondary data analysis of a racially/ethnically diverse prospective cohort of pregnant women with low risk for fetal abnormalities enrolled in the first trimester of pregnancy and followed to delivery (singleton, 12 United States clinical sites), free text medication data were obtained at enrollment and up to five follow-up visits and abstracted from medical records at delivery.

RESULTS

In 436 women with obesity and 1750 women without obesity (pre-pregnancy BMI, 19-29.9 kg/m2), more than 70% of pregnant women (77% of women with and 73% of women without obesity) reported taking at least one medication during pregnancy, respectively (adjusted risk ratio (aRR)=1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01, 1.20), with 81% reporting two and 69% reporting three or more. A total of 17 classes of medications were identified. Among medication classes consumed by at least 5% of all women, the only class that differed between women with and without obesity was hormones and synthetic substitutes (including steroids, progesterone, diabetes, and thyroid medications) in which women with obesity took more medications (11 vs. 5%, aRR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.38, 2.61) compared to women without obesity. Within this class, a higher percentage of women with obesity took diabetes medications (2.3 vs. 0.7%) and progesterone (3.4 vs. 1.3%) than their non-obese counterparts. Similar percentages of women with and without obesity reported consuming medications in the remaining medication classes including central nervous system agents (50 and 46%), gastrointestinal drugs (43 and 40%), anti-infective agents (23 and 21%), antihistamines (20 and 17%), autonomic drugs (10 and 9%), and respiratory tract agents (7 and 6%), respectively (p > 0.05 for all adjusted comparisons). There were no differences in medication use by obesity status across gestation. Since the study exclusion criteria limited the non-obese group to women without thyroid disease, in a sensitivity analysis we excluded all women who reported thyroid medication intake and still a higher proportion of women with obesity took the hormones and synthetic substitutes class compared to women without obesity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that pre-pregnancy obesity in otherwise healthy women is associated with a higher use of only selected medications (such as diabetes medications and progesterone) during pregnancy, while the intake of other more common medication types such as analgesics, antibiotics, and antacids does not vary by pre-pregnancy obesity status. As medication safety information for prenatal consumption is insufficient for many medications, these findings highlight the need for a more in-depth examination of factors associated with prenatal medication use.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Prenatal Supplement and Medication Use in Low-Risk Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the overall quantity and type of supplements and medications used during pregnancy in a low-risk cohort and to examine any racial/ethnic differences in intake.

STUDY DESIGN

We used data from 2,164 racially/ethnically diverse, nonobese, and low-risk pregnant women participating without pre-pregnancy chronic conditions in a prospective cohort study at 12 sites across the United States. Medication data were self-reported as free text in enrollment, follow-up visit questionnaires, and abstracted from medical records at delivery. Supplements and medications data were mapped to their active ingredients and categorized into corresponding classes using the Slone Drug Dictionary. The total number and classes of supplements and medications consumed during pregnancy were calculated. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate the racial/ethnic differences in supplements and medications intake. All models were adjusted for maternal sociodemographic factors and study site.

RESULTS

98% of women took at least one supplement during pregnancy, with prenatal vitamins/multivitamins being most common. While only 31% reported taking no medications during pregnancy, 23% took one, 18% took two, and 28% took three or more. The percentage of women taking at least one medication during pregnancy was highest among non-Hispanic white women and lowest among Asians (84 vs. 55%, p < 0.001). All racial/ethnic groups reported taking the same top four medication classes including central nervous system agents, gastrointestinal drugs, anti-infective agents, and antihistamines. Compared with non-Hispanic white women, Hispanic (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.98), and Asian women (aRR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-0.98) were less likely to take central nervous system agents, as well as gastrointestinal drugs (Hispanics aRR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.94; Asians aRR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63-0.90), and antihistamines (Hispanics aRR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47-0.92).

CONCLUSION

Supplement intake was nearly universal. Medication use was also common among this low-risk pregnancy cohort and differed by race/ethnicity.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT00912132.

KEY POINTS

· In women without chronic conditions, medication use is common.. · Racial/ethnic differences exist in prenatal medications use.. · Almost all women use supplements during pregnancy..

Outcomes associated with antibiotic administration for isolated maternal fever in labor

BACKGROUND

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists currently recommends that antibiotic treatment should be considered for women with isolated maternal fevers during labor. However, there is little known about the maternal and neonatal impact of antibiotic treatment in this scenario.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the outcomes in women with a nonsustained, isolated maternal fever treated with antibiotics and compare it with expectant management.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of laboring women with a singleton gestation at term and a single temperature of between 38.0°C and 38.9°C without other evidence of infection (leukocytosis >15,000/mm³, fetal tachycardia, malodorous amniotic fluid, suspected alternate source of infection) at a tertiary teaching hospital. A contemporaneously maintained, validated obstetrical database was used to identify women for our cohort. Women with rheumatologic or renal disease, nongestational diabetes, preterm labor, placental abruption, vaginal bleeding, HIV, malpresentation, and fetal anomalies were excluded. The primary outcome was a postpartum fever above 38.0°C. Secondary maternal outcomes were treatment for postpartum endometritis, uterine atony, postpartum hemorrhage, admission to the intensive care unit, and postpartum length of stay. Secondary neonatal outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit admission, 5-minute Apgar score of <7, 5-minute Apgar score of <4, neonatal intensive care unit length of stay, and neonatal antibiotic administration. The results were compared using univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, 359 women were identified; 85 received antibiotics and 274 did not. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups, except for gestational age at the time of delivery (39.2 weeks vs 39.5 weeks for the antibiotic and no antibiotic groups, respectively; P=.02). The incidence in postpartum fever showed a downward trend in the antibiotic group (10.59% for the antibiotic group vs 18.98% for the no antibiotic group; P=.07). Significantly fewer women in the antibiotic group were treated for postpartum endometritis (3.53% vs 11.31%; P=.03). Neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal antibiotic administration rates were higher in the antibiotic group (41.18% vs 17.88%; P<.001 and 36.47% vs 12.41%; P<.001, respectively). The incidence of 5-minute Apgar score of <7 was higher in the antibiotic group (8.25% vs 2.19%; P=.016). After controlling for age, gestational age, body mass index, group B streptococci status, delivery method, parity, administration of epidural, and receipt of acetaminophen, the odds for postpartum fever were reduced by a factor of 0.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.99) among women who received antibiotics when compared with those who did not receive antibiotics. Outcome results are presented in Table 2.

CONCLUSION

Although there was a lower rate of treatment for endometritis among women who received antibiotics for a single isolated maternal fever, there was a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admissions and 5-minute Apgar score of <7. This indicates that there likely is maternal benefit associated with antibiotic use, however, there are concerns about the neonatal risk.

The Compliance of Prescribed Activity Restriction in Women at High Risk for Preterm Birth

OBJECTIVE

Despite lack of evidence to support efficacy, activity restriction is one of the most commonly prescribed interventions used for the prevention of preterm birth. We have a departmental policy against the use of activity restriction but many practitioners still prescribe it in an effort to prevent preterm birth. We sought to evaluate the rate and compliance of women who are prescribed activity restriction during pregnancy to prevent preterm birth.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a single-site retrospective questionnaire study at a tertiary care, academic affiliated medical center. Women with a history of preterm delivery or short cervix were included. Once patients were identified, each patient was contacted and administered a questionnaire. We assessed the rates of activity restriction prescription and compliance. Secondary outcomes included details regarding activity restriction and treatment in pregnancy. Continuous variables were compared with t-test and categorical variables with Chi-square test. The value p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Among the 52 women who responded to the questionnaire, 18 reported being placed on activity restriction by a physician, with 1 self-prescribing activity restriction, giving a rate of our primary outcome of 19 of 52 (36.5%). All women reported compliance with prescribed activity restriction (100%). Gestational age at delivery was not different in women placed on activity restriction.

CONCLUSION

This questionnaire suggests that approximately one in three high-risk women were placed on activity restriction during their pregnancy despite a departmental policy against its use. The 100% compliance rate in patients placed on activity restriction is a strong reminder of the impact prescribing patterns of physicians can have on patients.

KEY POINTS

· One in three women are placed on activity restriction in pregnancy.. · Women are compliant with prescribed activity restriction.. · Activity restriction does not reduce rates of preterm birth..

Acute ambient air pollution exposure and placental Doppler results in the NICHD fetal growth studies - Singleton cohort

BACKGROUND

Increased placental vascular resistance is a proposed mechanism by which air pollution exposure during pregnancy lowers birth weight and increases pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of acute air pollution exposure during pregnancy on uterine and umbilical artery Doppler indicators of placental vascular resistance.

METHODS

After a first ultrasound to confirm gestational age, 2562 pregnant women recruited in 12 clinics throughout the United States underwent up to five standardized ultrasounds with Doppler measurements. Exposures to 11 air pollutants were estimated for the hour of ultrasound and each of the 2 h prior to ultrasound at the clinics using the National Air Quality Forecast Capability reanalysis products. We used mixed logistic regression to study the longitudinal odds ratio (OR) of any, uni- or bi-lateral systolic and diastolic uterine artery notching compared to no notching and the longitudinal OR of abnormal end diastolic flow of the umbilical artery compared to forward flow. Uterine and umbilical artery resistance indexes were studied using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Each inter-quartile range (IQR) increase of particulate matter < 2.5 μm, nitrate, ammonium, primary organic matter (POM) and nitrogen dioxide during the hour of ultrasound was associated with a decreased risk of unilateral systolic notch and with increased resistance index of the left uterine artery. For the umbilical artery, each IQR increase in ozone was associated with decreased resistance index (b: -0.26, 95 % CI: -0.52, -0.01) and with a decreased risk of abnormal end diastolic flow (OR: 0.36, 95 % CI: 0.14, 0.94); while each IQR increase of elemental carbon and POM was associated with increased risk of abnormal end diastolic flow (OR: 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.02, 2.13 and OR: 1.67, 95 % CI: 1.17, 2.39, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Our results suggest acute air pollution exposure may influence placental vascular resistance.

Nutrition during Pregnancy: Findings from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence indicates that maternal diets are important for optimizing maternal and offspring health. Existing research lacks comprehensive profiles of maternal diets throughout pregnancy, especially in a racially/ethnically diverse obstetrical population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to characterize diets in a longitudinal US pregnancy cohort by trimester, race/ethnicity, and prepregnancy BMI.

METHODS

Data were obtained from pregnant women in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton cohort (2009-2013). A food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at 8-13 wk of gestation assessed periconception and first-trimester diet (n = 1615). Automated, self-administered, 24-h dietary recalls targeted at 16-22, 24-29, 30-33, and 34-37 wk of gestation assessed second- and third-trimester diets (n = 1817 women/6791 recalls). The Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) assessed diet quality (i.e., adherence to US Dietary Guidelines). Variations in weighted energy-adjusted means for foods and nutrients were examined by trimester, self-identified race/ethnicity, and self-reported prepregnancy BMI.

RESULTS

Mean (95% CI) HEI-2010 was 65.9 (64.9, 67.0) during periconception to the first trimester assessed with an FFQ and 51.6 (50.8, 52.4) and 51.5 (50.7, 52.3) during the second trimester and third trimester, respectively, assessed using 24-h recalls. No significant differences were observed between the second and third trimester in macronutrients, micronutrients, foods, or HEI-2010 components (P ≥ 0.05). Periconception to first-trimester HEI-2010 was highest among Asian/Pacific Islander [67.2 (65.9, 68.6)] and lowest among non-Hispanic Black [58.7 (57.5, 60.0)] women and highest among women with normal weight [67.2 (66.1, 68.4)] and lowest among women with obesity [63.5 (62.1, 64.9)]. Similar rankings were observed in the second/third trimesters.

CONCLUSIONS

Most pregnant women in this cohort reported dietary intakes that, on average, did not meet US Dietary Guidelines for nonpregnant individuals. Also, diet differed across race/ethnic groups and by prepregnancy BMI, with the lowest overall dietary quality in all trimesters among non-Hispanic Black women and women with obesity. No meaningful changes in dietary intake were observed between the second and third trimesters.

Reported Neighborhood Traffic and the Odds of Asthma/Asthma-Like Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a Multi-Racial Cohort of Children

Asthma in children poses a significant clinical and public health burden. We examined the association between reported neighborhood traffic (a proxy for traffic-related air pollution) and asthma among 855 multi-racial children aged 4-8 years old who participated in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort. We hypothesized that high neighborhood traffic density would be associated with the prevalence of asthma. Asthma/asthma-like symptoms (defined as current and/or past physician diagnosed asthma, past wheezing, or nighttime cough or wheezing in the past 12 months) was assessed by parental report. The relationship between neighborhood traffic and asthma/asthma-like symptoms was assessed using logistic regression. The prevalence of asthma/asthma-like symptoms among study participants was 23%, and 15% had high neighborhood traffic. Children with significant neighborhood traffic had a higher odds of having asthma/asthma-like symptoms than children without neighborhood traffic [adjusted OR = 2.01 (95% CI: 1.12, 3.62)] after controlling for child's race-ethnicity, age, sex, maternal education, family history of asthma, play equipment in the home environment, public parks, obesity and prescribed asthma medication. Further characterization of neighborhood traffic is needed since many children live near high traffic zones and significant racial/ethnic disparities exist.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's conflict of interest policy

A vital mission of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine is to provide independent, objective, scientifically based information and recommendations for providers, patients, and payors of high-risk pregnancy care. To ensure that these recommendations are free from bias, special interest, or the perception of either, a publicly transparent process for disclosing relevant financial and nonfinancial interests (disclosures of interest) and management of potential conflicts of interest are essential. Educational and research presentations also require proper disclosure to allow attendees to properly assess information presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine events. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine established a task force to review the current Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine policies and procedures as they pertain to disclosure of interest and conflict of interest. To establish current best practices in disclosure of interest and conflict of interest definitions, reporting, and conflict of interest mitigation, members of the task force reviewed external literature, including policies of other medical organizations. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine is committed to a continuous process of improvement in the approach to these issues and will revise this policy as indicated.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #50: The role of activity restriction in obstetric management: (Replaces Consult Number 33, August 2014)

Despite current recommendations against its use, activity restriction remains a common intervention used to prevent preterm birth in multiple clinical settings. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm premature rupture of membranes, multiple gestations, vaginal bleeding, short cervical length, placenta previa, and fetal growth restriction are also common reasons for antepartum hospital admission and frequently lead to a recommendation for activity restriction. However, numerous reports have shown that activity restriction does not prevent adverse obstetrical outcomes but does confer significant physical and psychosocial risks. This consult reviews the current literature on activity restriction and examines the evidence regarding its use in obstetrical management. The recommendations by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine are as follows: (1) we recommend against the routine use of any type of activity restriction in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth based on preterm labor symptoms, arrested preterm labor, or shortened cervix (GRADE 1B); (2) we recommend against the use of routine inpatient hospitalization and activity restriction for the prevention of preterm birth in women with multiple gestations (GRADE 1A); and (3) given the lack of data definitively demonstrating that activity restriction improves perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or hypertensive diseases of pregnancy, coupled with evidence of adverse effects of activity restriction, we suggest that activity restriction not be prescribed for the treatment of pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or hypertensive disease (GRADE 2B).

Glycaemic status during pregnancy and longitudinal measures of fetal growth in a multi-racial US population: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The timepoint at which fetal growth begins to differ by maternal glycaemic status is not well understood. To address this lack of data, we examined gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and early pregnancy glucose concentrations in relation to fetal growth trajectories.

METHODS

This cohort study included 2458 pregnant women from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons study, which took place between 2009 and 2013. Women were recruited from 12 clinical centres in the USA. Women aged 18-40 years without major chronic conditions when entering pregnancy were included and those with records of neither glucose screening test or glucose tolerance test were excluded from the study. Women were enrolled at gestational weeks 8-13 and randomly assigned to four ultrasonogram schedules (Group A; weeks 16, 24, 30, 34; Group B: weeks 18, 26, 31, 35, 39; Group C: weeks 20, 28, 32, 36; Group D: weeks 22, 29, 33, 37, 41) to capture weekly fetal growth. Gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and normal glucose tolerance were defined by medical record review. Glucose was measured in a subsample of women at weeks 10-14. We modelled fetal growth trajectories using linear mixed models with cubic splines. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00912132.

FINDINGS

Of the 2458 women included in this study, 107 (4·4%) had gestational diabetes, 118 (4·8%) had impaired glucose tolerance, and 2020 (82·2%) had NGT. 213 women were excluded from the main analysis. The cohort with gestational diabetes was associated with a larger estimated fetal weight that started at week 20 and was significant at week 28-40 (at week 37: 3061 g [95% CI 2967-3164] for women with gestational diabetes vs 2943 g [2924-2962] for women with normal glucose tolerance, adjusted p=0·02). In addition, glucose levels at weeks 10-14 were positively associated with estimated fetal weight starting at week 23 and the association became significant at week 27 (at week 37: 3073 g [2983-3167] in the highest tertile vs 2853 g [2755-2955] in the lowest tertile, adjusted p=0·0009.

INTERPRETATION

Gestational diabetes was associated with a larger fetal size that started at week 20 and became significant at gestational week 28. Efforts to mitigate gestational diabetes-related fetal overgrowth should start before 24-28 gestational weeks, when gestational diabetes is typically screened for in the USA.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Health.

Accuracy of Routine Prenatal Genetic Screening in Patients Referred for Genetic Counseling

OBJECTIVE

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines recommend routine prenatal screening for genetic diseases that could affect the pregnancy. We sought to determine the rate of missed genetic information in the general obstetrician's routine prenatal genetic screening process.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a sequential case series of women referred for genetic counseling between March and August of 2015. Once identified, all women completed a personalized genetic history/exposure intake form (GHEF) created by our certified genetic counselors, followed by an in-person genetic counseling session with pedigree generation. The corresponding prenatal record was reviewed for genetic history obtained by the referring provider, most often utilizing the standardized ACOG prenatal intake form's genetic and family history sections. This information was then compared with that discovered in the GHEF and through the in-person genetic counseling session. Missed genetic information was defined as information discovered on the GHEF or during the in-person genetic counseling session which was not noted on the prenatal genetic screening document from the obstetric provider. Missing genetic information that lead to a change in clinical care, either through additional laboratory screening tests, fetal imaging or prenatal diagnostic testing through chorionic villus sampling, or amniocentesis was considered significant. We also assessed the study population as to maternal race, parity, and referral source. Statistical significance was assessed using Chi-squared testing with p < 0.05 identifying significance.

RESULTS

A total of 299 patients underwent genetic counseling. Of them, 57.5% patients were referred from private providers, 28.1% from academic faculty practice, and 14.4% from a federally funded clinic. Missed genetic information was discovered in 171/299 (57.2%) of patients in the genetic counseling process. Of these 171 patients, 28.7% were identified via the GHEF and 52.6% during the in-person genetic counseling session. Of the 171 patients who had new genetic information discovered, 73 (42.7%) findings were significant. There was no statistical difference in patient race or referring office setting in the occurrence of new information found.

CONCLUSION

In our population, genetic history obtained in the general obstetrician's office, regardless of practice type, missed genetic information in over half of cases with approximately 40% of that information leading to a subsequent change in clinical care. Developing a genetic intake form similar to our pregenetic counseling form, or modification/clarification of the "Family History and Genetic Screening" section within the standardized ACOG prenatal genetic history form, used at most practices in our region may decrease missed genetic information in the general obstetrician's office.

Blown out of proportion? Induction Foley balloon ruptures associated with overinflation

BACKGROUND

Larger volume Foley catheters are occasionally used for labor induction. In some instances the balloon is overinflated to obtain this volume. Neither the risk or rate of rupture are known for this practice.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of overinflated Foley catheter balloons and the rate of rupture in prospective trials and to describe rupture events in our institutions.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical trials and prospective cohorts were identified through a search of MEDLINE from 2000 through May 1, 2017; prospective studies were examined for the use of overinflated Foley catheters. Reports of overinflated balloons were then reviewed in detail to determine if rupture occurred and to record any reported maternal, neonatal, or gynecologic outcomes. Internal reports to the Obstetric Safety Report System were used to describe the local cases at our institutions.

RESULTS

We reviewed 296 abstracts. Seventeen prospective cohorts or randomized trials used larger balloon volumes (≥50 mL), of which 12 abstracts confirmed routine overinflation of the balloon. Within these studies, 19 patients who underwent cervical ripening with overinflated Foley catheters experienced balloon rupture during use. The incidence of rupture in these studies was 0.9%. No adverse maternal or fetal effects were noted. Internal safety reporting yielded an additional case. One gynecologic case was identified internally. The patient had an overinflated Foley catheter balloon used to tamponade excessive uterine bleeding after uterine evacuation. Balloon rupture was noted, and hysteroscopy was needed to remove fragments of the balloon.

CONCLUSION

Overinflation of Foley catheter balloons in obstetric and gynecologic applications may cause rupture. Because of possible underreporting, the extent of complications that may result from balloon rupture is unknown.

Gestational Diabetes and Longitudinal Ultrasonographic Measures of Fetal Growth in the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons (P11-133-19)

Objectives

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with increased risk for large-for-gestational-age birth. Yet, longitudinal fetal growth trajectories in women with GDM and the timing of alterations related to GDM is not well understood, particularly in early pregnancy. This study aims to investigate these critical data gaps.

Methods

The NICHD Fetal Growth Studies–Singleton Cohort enrolled women at 8w0d to 13w6d gestation from 12 U.S. clinical centers and randomized them among four ultrasonology schedules for longitudinal fetal measurement. Fetal biparietal diameter, head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femurs length and humerus length were measured. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated using the Hadlock formula. GDM was defined using the Carpenter-Coustan Criteria, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was defined as 2-hour plasma glucose in the 75 g or 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 140–199 mg/dL, and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) was defined by no elevated values on either the OGTT or 50 g glucose challenge test. The fetal growth trajectories were modeled using linear mixed models with cubic spline adjusting for race, age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI and infant sex.

Results

One hundred and seven women developed GDM, 118 developed IGT, and 2,020 had NGT. Most fetal growth measures were larger at 10–12 weeks and became smaller at 14–16 weeks in GDM than NGT group. At 28 weeks, AC and EFW became larger in GDM group, and the differences persisted through 40 weeks (at 40 weeks: AC: 368 vs. 355 mm, P = 0.03; EFW: 3866 vs. 3558 g, P = 0.003). The HC to AC ratio was smaller in GDM group 19–36 weeks. The associations were modified by the family history of diabetes (p-interaction < 0.001), such that GDM-related early pregnancy growth alterations were only seen in women with a family history of diabetes, whereas GDM-related late pregnancy overgrowth was only seen in those without. IGT group also had larger EFW and smaller HC to AC ratio than the NGT group at late third trimester.

Conclusions

GDM-related fetal growth alterations appeared to start as early as 10 weeks of gestation. Fetal overgrowth related to GDM was solely driven by AC and started at 28 weeks of gestation, suggesting current GDM diagnosis and treatment timing may be too late to normalize fetal growth.

Funding Sources

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

Risk of Ischemic Placental Disease in Relation to Family History of Preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of ischemic placental disease (IPD) including preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA), and abruption, in relation to preeclampsia in maternal grandmother, mother, and sister(s).

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial of vitamins C and E for preeclampsia prevention. Data on family history of preeclampsia were based on recall by the proband. The associations between family history of preeclampsia and the odds of IPD were evaluated from alternating logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Of the 9,686 women who delivered nonmalformed, singleton live births, 17.1% had IPD. Probands provided data on preeclampsia in 55.5% (n = 5,374) on all three family members, 26.5% (n = 2,562) in mother and sister(s) only, and 11.6% (n = 1,125) in sister(s) only. The pairwise odds ratio (pOR) of IPD was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.36) if one or more of the female relatives had preeclampsia. The pORs of preeclampsia were 1.54 (95% CI: 1.12-2.13) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.03-1.77) if the proband's mother or sister(s) had a preeclamptic pregnancy, respectively, but no associations were seen for SGA infant or abruption.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that IPD may share a predisposition with preeclampsia, suggesting a familial inheritance.

Incidence of early-onset sepsis in infants born to women with clinical chorioamnionitis

Objective To determine the frequency of sepsis and other adverse neonatal outcomes in women with a clinical diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of a multi-center placebo-controlled trial of vitamins C/E to prevent preeclampsia in low risk nulliparous women. Clinical chorioamnionitis was defined as either the "clinical diagnosis" of chorioamnionitis or antibiotic administration during labor because of an elevated temperature or uterine tenderness in the absence of another cause. Early-onset neonatal sepsis was categorized as "suspected" or "confirmed" based on a clinical diagnosis with negative or positive blood, urine or cerebral spinal fluid cultures, respectively, within 72 h of birth. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression. Results Data from 9391 mother-infant pairs were analyzed. The frequency of chorioamnionitis was 10.3%. Overall, 6.6% of the neonates were diagnosed with confirmed (0.2%) or suspected (6.4%) early-onset sepsis. Only 0.7% of infants born in the setting of chorioamnionitis had culture-proven early-onset sepsis versus 0.1% if chorioamnionitis was not present. Clinical chorioamnionitis was associated with both suspected [OR 4.01 (3.16-5.08)] and confirmed [OR 4.93 (1.65-14.74)] early-onset neonatal sepsis, a need for resuscitation within the first 30 min after birth [OR 2.10 (1.70-2.61)], respiratory distress [OR 3.14 (2.16-4.56)], 1 min Apgar score of ≤3 [OR 2.69 (2.01-3.60)] and 4-7 [OR 1.71 (1.43-2.04)] and 5 min Apgar score of 4-7 [OR 1.67 (1.17-2.37)] (vs. 8-10). Conclusion Clinical chorioamnionitis is common and is associated with neonatal morbidities. However, the vast majority of exposed infants (99.3%) do not have confirmed early-onset sepsis.

Adverse Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Indicated Compared with Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Healthy Nulliparas: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with spontaneous (SPTB) versus indicated preterm births (IPTB).

METHODS

A secondary analysis of a multicenter trial of vitamin C and E supplementation in healthy low-risk nulliparous women. Outcomes were compared between women with SPTB (due to spontaneous membrane rupture or labor) and those with IPTB (due to medical or obstetric complications). A primary maternal composite outcome included: death, pulmonary edema, blood transfusion, adult respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), cerebrovascular accident, acute tubular necrosis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, or liver rupture. A neonatal composite outcome included: neonatal death, RDS, grades III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or retinopathy of prematurity.

RESULTS

Of 9,867 women, 10.4% (N = 1,038) were PTBs; 32.7% (n = 340) IPTBs and 67.3% (n = 698) SPTBs. Compared with SPTB, the composite maternal outcome was more frequent in IPTB-4.4% versus 0.9% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-11.8), as were blood transfusion and prolonged hospital stay (3.2 and 3.7 times, respectively). The frequency of composite neonatal outcome was higher in IPTBs (aOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0), as were RDS (1.7 times), small for gestational age (SGA) < 5th percentile (7.9 times), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (1.8 times).

CONCLUSION

Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were significantly more likely with IPTB than with SPTB.

Association of Maternal Obesity With Longitudinal Ultrasonographic Measures of Fetal Growth: Findings From the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons

IMPORTANCE

Despite the increasing prevalence of pregravid obesity, systematic evaluation of the association of maternal obesity with fetal growth trajectories is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize differences in fetal growth trajectories between obese and nonobese pregnant women, and to identify the timing of any observed differences.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons study enrolled cohorts of pregnant women at 12 US health care institutions. Obese women (with prepregnancy body mass index > 30) and nonobese women (prepregnancy body mass indexes, 19-29.9) without major chronic diseases were recruited between 8 weeks and 0 days' gestation and 13 weeks and 6 days' gestation. A mixed longitudinal randomization scheme randomized participants into 1 of 4 schedules for 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional ultrasonograms to capture weekly fetal growth data throughout the remainder of their pregnancies.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

On each ultrasonogram, fetal humerus length, femur length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, and abdominal circumference were measured. Fetal growth curves were estimated using linear mixed models with cubic splines. Median differences in the fetal measures at each gestational week of the obese and nonobese participants were examined using the likelihood ratio and Wald tests after adjustment for maternal characteristics.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 468 obese and 2334 nonobese women between 8 weeks and 0 days' gestation and 13 weeks and 6 days' gestation. After a priori exclusion criteria, 443 obese and 2320 nonobese women composed the final cohort. Commencing at 21 weeks' gestation, femur length and humerus length were significantly longer for fetuses of obese woman than those of nonobese women. Differences persisted in obese and nonobese groups through 38 weeks' gestation (median femur length, 71.0 vs 70.2 mm; P = .01; median humerus length, 62.2 vs 61.6 mm; P = .03). Averaged across gestation, head circumference was significantly larger in fetuses of obese women than those of nonobese women (P = .02). Fetal abdominal circumference was not greater in the obese cohort than in the nonobese cohort but was significantly larger than in fetuses of normal-weight women (with body mass indexes between 19.0-24.9) commencing at 32 weeks (median, 282.1 vs 280.2 mm; P = .04). Starting from 30 weeks' gestation, estimated fetal weight was significantly larger for the fetuses of obese women (median, 1512 g [95% CI, 1494-1530 g] vs 1492 g [95% CI, 1484-1499 g]) and the difference grew as gestational age increased. Birth weight was higher by almost 100 g in neonates born to obese women than to nonobese women (mean, 3373.2 vs 3279.5 g).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

As early as 32 weeks' gestation, fetuses of obese women had higher weights than fetuses of nonobese women. The mechanisms and long-term health implications of these findings are not yet established.

Predictive Characteristics of Elevated 1-Hour Glucose Challenge Test Results for Gestational Diabetes

Objective

To estimate the optimal screen-positive 1-hour 50 gm glucose challenge test (GCT) threshold for gestational diabetes (GDM) and predictive characteristics of increasing screen-positive GCT threshold values (135-199 mg/dL) for GDM.

Study Design

Secondary analysis of a multicenter mild GDM study. At 24-30 weeks' gestation, women with elevated GCT (135-199 mg/dL) completed a diagnostic 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A novel change-point analysis method was used to compare the GDM rates for adjacent GCT values, delineating categories of changing risk such that values within categories have equal risk for GDM. Positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for GDM were computed for increasing GCT cut-offs.

Results

In 7280 women with both GCT (135-199 mg/dL) and OGTT results, 4 GDM risk-equivalent GCT categories were identified with escalations at 144, 158, and 174 mg/dL (all p-values <0.05). The PPV for GDM increased from 33% to 64% as GCT increased from 135 to 199 mg/dL while the NPV decreased from 80% to 67%. PPVs were only 20% and 61% for risk-equivalent categories of 135-143 and 174-199 mg/dL respectively.

Conclusion

Elevated GCT cut-off values between 135-143 mg/dL may carry equivalent GDM risk. No threshold GCT value <199 mg/dL alone sufficiently predicts GDM.

Role of early second-trimester uterine artery Doppler screening to predict small-for-gestational-age babies in nulliparous women

BACKGROUND

Trophoblastic invasion of the uterine spiral arteries substantially increases compliance to accommodate increased blood flow to the placenta. Failure of this process impedes uterine artery blood flow, and this may be detected by uterine artery Doppler flow studies. However, the clinical utility of uterine artery Doppler flow studies in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a general population remains largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the utility of early second-trimester uterine artery Doppler studies as a predictor of small-for-gestational-age neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

Nulliparous women with a viable singleton pregnancy were recruited during their first trimester into an observational prospective cohort study at 8 institutions across the United States. Participants were seen at 3 study visits during pregnancy and again at delivery. Three indices of uterine artery Doppler flow (resistance index, pulsatility index, and diastolic notching) were measured in the right and left uterine arteries between 16 weeks 0 days' and 22 weeks 6 days' gestation. Test characteristics for varying thresholds in the prediction of small for gestational age (defined as birthweight <5th percentile for gestational age [Alexander growth curve]) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Uterine artery Doppler indices, birthweight, and gestational age at birth were available for 8024 women. Birthweight <5th percentile for gestational age occurred in 358 (4.5%) births. Typical thresholds for the uterine artery Doppler indices were all associated with birthweight <5th percentile for gestational age (P < .0001 for each), but the positive predictive values for these cutoffs were all <15% and areas under receiver operating characteristic curves ranged from 0.50-0.60. Across the continuous scales for these measures, the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves ranged from 0.56-0.62. Incorporating maternal age, early pregnancy body mass index, race/ethnicity, smoking status prior to pregnancy, chronic hypertension, and pregestational diabetes in the prediction model resulted in only modest improvements in the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves ranging from 0.63-0.66.

CONCLUSION

In this large prospective cohort, early second-trimester uterine artery Doppler studies were not a clinically useful test for predicting small-for-gestational-age babies.

The association among cytochrome P450 3A, progesterone receptor polymorphisms, plasma 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate concentrations, and spontaneous preterm birth

BACKGROUND

Infants born <37 weeks' gestation are of public health concern since complications associated with preterm birth are the leading cause of mortality in children <5 years of age and a major cause of morbidity and lifelong disability. The administration of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduces preterm birth by 33% in women with history of spontaneous preterm birth. We demonstrated previously that plasma concentrations of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate vary widely among pregnant women and that women with 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate plasma concentrations in the lowest quartile had spontaneous preterm birth rates of 40% vs rates of 25% in those women with higher concentrations. Thus, plasma concentrations are an important factor in determining drug efficacy but the reason 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate plasma concentrations vary so much is unclear. Predominantly, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 enzymes.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to: (1) determine the relation between 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate plasma concentrations and single nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP3A4 and CYP3A5; (2) test the association between progesterone receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms and spontaneous preterm birth; and (3) test whether the association between plasma concentrations of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate and spontaneous preterm birth varied by progesterone receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms.

STUDY DESIGN

In this secondary analysis, we evaluated genetic polymorphism in 268 pregnant women treated with 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate, who participated in a placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the benefit of omega-3 supplementation in women with history of spontaneous preterm birth. Trough plasma concentrations of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate were measured between 25-28 weeks of gestation after a minimum of 5 injections of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate. We extracted DNA from maternal blood samples and genotyped the samples using TaqMan (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA) single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays for the following single nucleotide polymorphisms: CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4*1G, CYP3A4*22, and CYP3A5*3; and rs578029, rs471767, rs666553, rs503362, and rs500760 for progesteronereceptor. We adjusted for prepregnancy body mass index, race, and treatment group in a multivariable analysis. Differences in the plasma concentrations of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate by genotype were evaluated for each CYP single nucleotide polymorphism using general linear models. The association between progesterone receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms and frequency of spontaneous preterm birth was tested using logistic regression. A logistic model also tested interaction between 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate concentrations with each progesterone receptor single nucleotide polymorphism for the outcome of spontaneous preterm birth.

RESULTS

The association between CYP single nucleotide polymorphisms *22, *1G, *1B, and *3 and trough plasma concentrations of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate was not statistically significant (P = .68, .44, .08, and .44, respectively). In an adjusted logistic regression model, progesterone receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms rs578029, rs471767, rs666553, rs503362, and rs500760 were not associated with the frequency of spontaneous preterm birth (P = .29, .10, .76, .09, and .43, respectively). Low trough plasma concentrations of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate were statistically associated with a higher frequency of spontaneous preterm birth (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence ratio, 0.61-0.99; P = .04 for trend across quartiles), however no significant interaction with the progesterone receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms rs578029, rs471767, rs666553, rs503362, and rs500760 was observed (P = .13, .08, .10, .08, and .13, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth appears to be associated with trough 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate plasma concentrations. However, the wide variation in trough 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate plasma concentrations is not attributable to polymorphisms in CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genes. Progesterone receptor polymorphisms do not predict efficacy of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate. The limitations of this secondary analysis include that we had a relative small sample size (n = 268) and race was self-reported by the patients.

Maternal Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Stress, and Fetal Growth

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether longitudinal fetal growth is altered among pregnant women reporting greater perceived stress or more symptoms of depression.

METHODS

This analysis was based on a multicenter longitudinal study of fetal growth. Women were screened at gestational ages of 8 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days for low-risk status and underwent serial sonographic examinations. At each study visit during pregnancy, women were asked to complete the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Survey (EPDS). Growth curves for estimated fetal weight and individual biometric parameters were created by using linear mixed models with cubic splines and compared on the basis of whether women scored 15 or higher on the PSS or 10 or higher on the EPDS either at the start of or at any time during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Of the 2334 women enrolled in the study, 2088 (89%) and 2108 (90%) completed the PSS and EPDS, respectively, at least once in all trimesters. The longitudinal growth curves of estimated fetal weight as well as all individual biometric parameters were similar (P > .05) regardless of whether the participants reported PSS of 15 or higher or EPDS of 10 or higher in the first trimester or whether these scores persisted throughout the pregnancy. Similarly, effect modification by race/ethnicity was not statistically significant for the biometric parameters under study (P > .05 for all race/ethnicity interactions).

CONCLUSIONS

More depressive symptoms and greater perceived stress, as quantified by the EPDS and the PSS, respectively, are not associated with alterations in fetal growth throughout gestation.