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Objective Studies have shown that the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. However, the relationship between COVID-19 and abnormal fetal growth (i.e., low neonatal birth weight) has not been elucidated. Because other viruses affect fetal growth, obstetrical providers began to recommend ultrasound studies during the third trimester to assess fetal growth in patients with COVID-19 during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine if neonatal birth weight was different between low-risk patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy and low-risk patients without COVID-19 in pregnancy, to ascertain if third trimester growth ultrasound is warranted in this patient population. Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort study of low-risk pregnant patients (who had no other indications for sonographic fetal surveillance during the third trimester) with and without COVID-19 during pregnancy. Patient demographics, gestational dating, neonatal birth weights, and corresponding Alexander growth curve birth weight percentiles were collected. The primary outcome was small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates, defined as birth weight < 10th percentile for gestational age at delivery (SGA10). Results Our cohort (N = 513) included 248 COVID-19-exposed patients and 265 patients who did not have COVID-19 during pregnancy. Gestational age at delivery and average neonatal birth weights were similar in COVID-19-exposed (38 weeks 5 days, 3,266 g) and unexposed patients (38 weeks 4 days, 3,224 g; p = 0.434, 0.358). Rates of SGA10 neonates were similar in the COVID-19-exposed (22/248, 8.9%) and -unexposed (23/265, 8.7%, p = 0.939) groups. Timing and severity of COVID-19 during pregnancy also were not associated with rates of SGA neonates. Conclusion In a cohort of low-risk patients, rates of SGA neonates were similar in patients with and without COVID-19 during pregnancy. These findings suggest that ultrasound surveillance to detect fetal growth restriction in low-risk patients with COVID-19 during pregnancy is not warranted. Key Points COVID-19 may be associated with fetal growth restriction. There are normal infant weights in patients with COVID-19 in pregnancy. Growth ultrasound is not needed in patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To date, there have been no studies in Poland on weight gain in women with twin pregnancies in relation to recommendations. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the gestational weight gain of women with twin pregnancies depending on their body weight before pregnancy, and to assess the relationship between the observed weight gain and the neonatal birth weight. Material and Methods The study was conducted among 50 women in twin pregnancies and their 100 newborns delivered after 36 weeks of gestation. Gestational weight gain was assessed based on the American Institute of Medicine guidelines for women in twin pregnancies. Data on the pre-pregnancy body weight and gestational weight gain were collected by interviewing the patients. Neonatal data were obtained from the hospital medical records. Results Normal gestational weight gain was observed only in 38% of the women. In women with monochorionic pregnancy, too low body weight gain occurred almost 3 times more often than in women with dichorionic pregnancy (74% vs. 26%), (p

AimThe aim of this study was to explore the association between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and neonatal birth weight in pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study conducted between January 2019 and June 2020 at a university hospital in Fuzhou, China.ResultsPre-pregnancy BMI was used to categorize 791 pregnant women as underweight (3.03%), normal weight (51.71%), overweight (32.74%), and obese (12.52%). Among the 791 babies, 11.63% were small for gestational age (SGA), 77.37% were normal weight, and 11.00% were large for gestational age (LGA). The rate of the SGA babies increased with higher pre-pregnancy BMI. The percentage of LGA babies was higher in women who were overweight or obese compared to those of normal weight. Neonatal birth weight displayed a significantly increasing trend with increasing maternal pre-pregnancy BMI when maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was less than 27.78 kg/m2 [β = 0.03, 95% CI (0.01, 0.04); p = 0.0052

Abstract Objective This study aims to investigate the effect of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on the clinical outcomes and maternal and infant safety of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) procedures in young women aged ≤ 35 years. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 4,203 infertile women aged ≤ 35 years who underwent fresh embryo transfer (ET) in IVF/ICSI cycles. The data were collected from their initial visits to Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2015 and January 2022. Based on their ovarian reserve, the participants were categorized into two groups: DOR group (n = 1,027) and non-DOR group (n = 3,176). A propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to ensure a relatively balanced distribution of covariates. The primary outcome assessed in this study was the live birth rate, while the secondary observation indicators included rates of high-quality embryo development, blastocyst formation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage, along with perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). Results The DOR group showed notably lowered rates of blastocyst formation (59.8% vs. 64.1%), embryo implantation (29.8% vs.33.3%), clinical pregnancy (47.9% vs. 53.6%), and live birth (40.6% vs. 45.7%) compared to the non-DOR group (all P 0.05). Conclusion DOR has been found to reduce both clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in young females undergoing fresh ET in IVF/ICSI cycles. However, this reduction does not increase the risk of perinatal complications or LBW of infants through live birth cycles.

Aim: to assess associations between folate cycle gene polymorphism and neonatal birth weight in pregnant women with fetal growth retardation (FGR) and related functional effects in population of the Central Black Earth Region.Materials and Methods. 98 cases of women with FGR were enrolled to a retrospective molecular and genetic screening to assess prevalence 5 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in genes involved in folic acid cycle and methionine metabolism (rs699517 TYMS, rs2790 TYMS, rs1979277 SHMT1, rs1805087 MTR, rs1801394 MTRR).Results. It was found out that allele A of the rs1801394 MTRR was associated with a lower neonatal birth weight (recessive model: β = –0.34 ± 0.13; p = 0.009). This polymorphic locus exerts crucial functional effects by determining the amino acid substitution in methionine synthase reductase (Ile22Met) localized in the region of modified histones, which mark enhancers and promoters in ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm cell cultures, primary osteoblast cells, brain, fat nuclei, skeletal muscles, etc. In addition, rs1801394 MTRR is found DNA sites (motifs) responsible for sensitivity to transcription factors STAT and TBX5 being also related to MTRR gene mRNA expression level in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, thyroid gland, fibroblast cell culture as well as various brain regions.Conclusion. Thus, the allele A of the rs1801394 polymorphism in MTRR gene is a risk factor for a lower neonatal birth weight.

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Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on the clinical outcomes and maternal and infant safety of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) procedures in young women aged ≤ 35 years. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 4,203 infertile women aged ≤ 35 years who underwent fresh embryo transfer (ET) in IVF/ICSI cycles. The data were collected from their initial visits to Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2015 and January 2022. Based on their ovarian reserve, the participants were categorized into two groups: DOR group (n = 1,027) and non-DOR group (n = 3,176). A propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to ensure a relatively balanced distribution of covariates. The primary outcome assessed in this study was the live birth rate, while the secondary observation indicators included rates of high-quality embryo development, blastocyst formation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage, along with perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). Results: The DOR group showed notably lowered rates of blastocyst formation (59.8% vs. 64.1%), embryo implantation (29.8% vs.33.3%), clinical pregnancy (47.9% vs. 53.6%), and live birth (40.6% vs. 45.7%) compared to the non-DOR group (all P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the high-quality embryo rate, miscarriage rate, perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, or LBW incidence in infants between both groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: DOR has been found to reduce both clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in young females undergoing fresh ET in IVF/ICSI cycles. However, this reduction does not increase the risk of perinatal complications or LBW of infants through live birth cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish a relationship between maternal weight gain during pregnancy and a newborn’s birth weight. Method: A total of 120 patients were selected for this study. The weight and height of all patients were recorded in the first month of pregnancy and at term. Weight gain during pregnancy was placed in three categories. Category 1,2 and 3 included patients with weight gain of 4.9 kg or less, weight gain between 5 to 10 Kg and weight gain over 10 kg respectively. The weight of all newborns was also recorded. The association of maternal weight gain with neonate's birth weight was looked for. Results: In our study, 4.16% of women were underweight, 49.17% of women were labelled normal weight, 45% were overweight and 2% were obese. Five per cent of women gained less than 5 kg weight during pregnancy, the majority (88.33%) gained between 5 to 10 kg and only 8% gained weight more than 10 kg. In our study, 9.17% of newborns were born with low birth weight, 90.83% had normal birth weight and no newborn fell into the category of macrosomia. Mean birth weight was 2.52±0.26 kg in mothers who gained less than 5 kg weight during pregnancy. Similarly, the mean birth weight was 2.92±0.23 in mothers who gained weight between 5 to 10 kg. Mean birth weight was 3.34±0.23 in mothers who gained weight more than 10 kg. Conclusion: It is concluded in our study that maternal weight gain during pregnancy is strongly associated with the birth weight of the newborn. Keywords: Birth weight, Gestational weight gain, Neonatal birth weight, Maternal weight gain.

Objective To explore the influence of maternal blood donation before pregnancy on neonatal birth weight. Methods A total of 6 428 full-term (gestational age ≥37 weeks) singleton pregnant women in Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital and Ningbo Women and Children′s Hospital from January 2020 to October 2020 were enrolled in this study. The cumulative whole blood donations before pregnancy were obtained through Alipay software. The relevant data of parturients and their fetuses were collected from electronic medical records. Results The maternal blood donation rate in Zhejiang Province before pregnancy was 14.69%. The average age of women was 29 (27-32), and the median of cumulative blood donation (except 0 mL) before pregnancy was 300 mL. Univariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in neonatal gender, neonatal birth weight, proportion of low birth weight infants and proportion of macrosomia among non blood donation group, low blood donation group and high blood donation group (P>0.05). After multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that there was no correlation between blood donation before pregnancy and the neonatal birth weight (B=0.123, 95%CI: -1.013-8.461, P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with the non blood donation group, the occurrence of macrosomia was higher in both the low blood donation group and the total blood donation group (OR=1.366, 95%CI: 1.007-1.766, P

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth as a complex phenomenon is influenced by numerous endogenic and exogenic factors, although its exact cause often remains obscure. According to epidemiological studies, maternal periodontal diseases, in addition to affecting general health, can also cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Nonetheless, the existing results in the literature regarding this topic remain controversial. Consequently, our study aimed to determine the connection between poor maternal periodontal status and neonatal birth weight. Materials and Methods: A total of 111 primigravida–primiparous pregnant, healthy women underwent a periodontal examination in the second trimester of their pregnancies. Probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were determined, and based on these diagnostic measurements, the patients were divided into three subgroups according to their dental status: healthy (H, n = 17), gingivitis (G, n = 67), and periodontitis (P, n = 27). Results: Considering that poor maternal oral status is an influencing factor for obstetrical outcomes, the presence of PD and BOP (characterized by the sulcus bleeding index, SBI) was evaluated. In the case of P, defined as PD ≥ 4 mm in at least one site and BOP ≥ 50% of the teeth, a significant correlation between BOP and a low neonatal birth weight at delivery (p = 0.001) was found. An analysis of the relationship between SBI and gestational age (GA) at the time of the periodontal examination in the different dental status groups showed a significant correlation between these parameters in the G group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a worse periodontal status during pregnancy may negatively affect obstetrical outcomes, especially the prematurity rate and newborn weight. Therefore, the importance of periodontal screening to prevent these complications is undeniable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundSince the One-child Policy was revised to a Two-child policy in 2013, the number of pregnancies with previous cesarean section suddenly increased in China. The aim of this study was to test if a previous cesarean section influenced the neonatal birth weight under Chinese background.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted. Path analysis was used to test the hypothesized model for the association among previous cesarean section, placenta previa, gestational age and neonatal birth weight. Comparative fit index, the root-mean-square error of approximation and weighted root-mean-square residual were used to evaluate the model fit.Results3466 electronic records for second pregnancies met the criteria; a modified model was established (the root-mean-square error of approximation=0.049, comparative fit index=0.992, weighted root-mean-square residual=0.960). The effects of previous cesarean section on neonatal birth weight were mediated via four paths. The direct effects (coefficient: 0.056) showed opposite signs compared to indirect effects (coefficient: -0.127) in this path analysis. It meant that the negative effects of the previous cesarean section were suppressed by other factors which bring positive effects.ConclusionThis study showed that previous cesarean section had negative effects on neonatal birth weight with increasing incidence of placenta previa and preterm birth. But these effects were suppressed by other positive factors, such as maternal body mass index, just after the child policy updated in China.

Introduction: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) can lead to intrauterine growth restriction resulting in Low Birth Weight (LBW) neonates. LBW remains a significant cause of under-five mortality in India and Asia. Aim: To calculate the prevalence of PIH and to study the correlation between Birth Weight (BW) of neonates and severity of maternal hypertension; and compare the incidence of neonatal morbidities across varying severity of maternal hypertension. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among 153 pregnant mothers, diagnosed with PIH. They were classified into mild {Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) ≥140- 149 mmHg or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) ≥90-99 mmHg}, moderate (SBP ≥150-159 mmHg or DBP ≥100-109 mmHg) and severe (SBP ≥160 mmHg or DBP ≥110 mmHg) hypertension. A total of 142 neonates, born to PIH mothers, were included. The neonates were followed-up for seven days to check for early neonatal outcomes and deaths. Correlation between maternal blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and BW of the neonates was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) was performed to analyse the impact of confounders on BW. Results: The prevalence of PIH was 7.76% (153/1972). The mean BW of neonates born to mothers with moderate (2.435 kg) and severe hypertension (2.342 kg) was significantly lower than that of neonates born to mothers with mild hypertension (2.828 kg) (p

Some studies have shown that maternal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be related to the neonatal birth weight. The purpose of this study was to explore this relationship between maternal exposure to PFAS and neonatal birth weight. All papers published before March 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases. A thorough meta-analysis was carried out, involving data extracted from 1,673 samples obtained from a total of 24 articles. Our study found a significantly negative association between maternal PFOS exposure and neonatal birth weight ( β = -71.55; 95 %CI= -114.47, -28.62), with high heterogeneity ( I =64.15 %, p<0.0001). Similarly, there was a significant negative correlation between maternal PFOA exposure and neonatal birth weight ( 2 =64.15 %, p<0.0001). Similarly, there was a significant negative correlation between maternal PFOA exposure and neonatal birth weight ( β =67.23 %, p<0.0001). Subunit analysis showed that there was a significantly negative correlation between PFOS exposure and neonatal birth weight in mid-to-late pregnancy and after delivery ( I 2 = -138.06; 95 %CI= -255.91, -20.20), PFOA exposure showed a negative correlation with neonatal birth weight in mid-to-late pregnancy ( β = -85.89; 95 %CI= -139.31, -32.47), while PFNA exposure also showed a negative correlation with neonatal birth weight in mid-to-late pregnancy ( β = -138.06; 95 %CI= -255.91, -20.20), PFOA exposure showed a negative correlation with neonatal birth weight in mid-to-late pregnancy ( β = -85.89; 95 %CI= -139.31, -32.47), while PFNA exposure also showed a negative correlation with neonatal birth weight in mid-to-late pregnancy ( β = -90.39; 95 %CI= -152.90, -27.88). However, no significant correlation was observed for PFNA exposure ( β =3.95; 95% CI= -10.41, 18.31), with medium heterogeneity ( I 2 =40.56 %, p=0.0574), or for PFHxS exposure ( β =4.61; 95 %CI= -10.60, 19.81), with medium heterogeneity ( I 2 =29.27 %, p=0.1368). Further research is needed to better understand the implications of these findings on maternal and neonatal health., (© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Abstract Objective Our study aimed to explore the association between maternal iron supplementation and newborn birth weight (BW) in Shaanxi Province using quantile regression (QR). Method The data used in this study were derived from a large cross-sectional survey of a population in Shaanxi Province, Northwest China. A total of 28,209 women and their infants were selected using a stratified multistage random sampling method. The effect of iron supplementation on the newborn BW was assessed by a multiple linear regression model and QR. Results A total of 5.15% of the women took iron supplements during pregnancy. Multiple linear regression showed that the iron supplementation during pregnancy had positive effects on the BW, with an average increase of 43.07 g (β = 43.07, t = 3.55, and p

Objective: Normal pregnancy is characterized by significant changes in maternal hemodynamics that are associated with fetal growth. Pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with large-for-gestational age and macrosomia, but the relationship between maternal hemodynamic parameters and birth weight (BW) among women with GDM has not been established. Our objective was to investigate the influence of maternal hemodynamics on neonatal BW in healthy pregnancies and in those complicated by GDM.Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional case-control study of women aged ≥ 16 years with a singleton viable pregnancy, recruited between January 2016 and February 2021 at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. GDM was defined as a fasting glucose level ≥ 5.3 mmol/L and/or serum glucose level ≥ 7.8 mmol/L, 2 h following a 75-g oral glucose load. We collected data on maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome, including body mass index (BMI) at booking and BW centile adjusted for gestational age at delivery. Maternal hemodynamic parameters were assessed at 34-42 weeks' gestation using the Arteriograph® and bioreactance techniques. Graphical causal inference methodology was used to identify causal effects of the measured variables on neonatal BW centile.Results: Included in the analysis were 141 women with GDM and 136 normotensive non-diabetic pregnant controls. 62% of the women with GDM were managed pharmacologically, with metformin and/or insulin. Variables included in the final model were cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), aortic augmentation index (AIx), aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and BMI at booking. Among the controls, maternal BMI, CO and aortic PWV were significantly associated with neonatal BW. Each SD increase in booking BMI produced an increase of 8.4 BW centiles (P = 0.002), in CO produced an increase of 9.4 BW centiles (P = 0.008) and in aortic PWV produced an increase of 7.1 BW centiles (P = 0.017). We found no significant relationship between MAP, TPR or aortic AIx and neonatal BW. Maternal hemodynamics influenced neonatal BW among the women with GDM in a similar manner to that in the control group, but only the relationship between maternal BMI and neonatal BW reached statistical significance, with a 1-SD increase in BMI producing an increase of 6.1 BW centiles (P = 0.019).Conclusions: Maternal BMI, CO and PWV were determinants of BW in our control group. The relationship between maternal hemodynamics and neonatal BW was similar between women with GDM and healthy controls. Our findings therefore suggest that fetal growth restriction in pregnancies complicated by GDM may indicate maternal cardiovascular dysfunction. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The adequate maternal sleep duration required for favorable obstetric outcomes is unknown. We evaluated the association between maternal sleep duration and low birth weight infants, small for gestational age infants, and macrosomia. Methods Participants enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, with singleton pregnancies after 22 weeks, who gave birth between 2011 and 2014 were enrolled and categorized into five groups according to maternal sleep duration during pregnancy: 4000 g), with women with maternal sleep duration of 6.0–7.9 h as the reference, using a multiple logistic regression model. Results In total, 82,171 participants were analyzed. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for low birth weight infants in women with maternal sleep duration of 9.0–9.9 h and 10.0–12.0 h and for small for gestational age infants in women with maternal sleep duration of 9.0–9.9 h were 0.90 (0.83–0.99), 0.86 (0.76–0.99), and 0.91 (0.82–0.99), respectively, before adjusting for excessive gestational weight gain. No significant association was observed between maternal sleep duration and these outcomes after adjusting for excessive gestational weight gain. Among women with appropriate gestational weight gain, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for low birth weight infants and for small for gestational age infants with sleep duration of 9.0–9.9 h were 0.88 (0.80–0.97) and 0.87 (0.78–0.97), respectively. Conclusions Maternal sleep duration of 9.0–9.9 h was significantly associated with the decreased incidence of low birth weight infants and small for gestational age infants in pregnant women with appropriate gestational weight gain, compared with that of 6.0–7.9 h. Care providers should provide proper counseling regarding the association between maternal sleep duration and neonatal birth weight and suggest comprehensive maternal lifestyle modifications to prevent low birth weight and small for gestational age infants.

Objectives: The study aimed 1) to compare trimester-specific and total gestational weight gain (GWG) between mothers who had undergone biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD) and two control groups of unoperated women and 2) to examine the associations between GWG, intrauterine fetal growth and neonatal birthweight.Methods: This retrospective study included data collected in medical records of newborns and mothers from 3 groups: the first control group (PP) included mothers (n = 158) with a pre-pregnancy BMI similar to that of the surgical group (n = 63) and the second one (PS) included mothers (n = 85) with a pre-pregnancy BMI corresponding to that of the surgical group prior to BPD or a BMI > 40 kg/m2. Trimester-specific GWG was obtained using linear interpolation and compared to the recommendations.Results: Women exposed to BPD have an increased prevalence of insufficient weight gain in the second and third trimesters as well as for the whole pregnancy in comparison with women in the PP group. The weekly GWG rate in the third trimester was significantly lower in women exposed to BPD, compared to both control groups. Although the newborns of women with previous BPD were significantly smaller during pregnancy and at birth, no association was found with GWG.Conclusion: Women exposed to BPD are at substantial risk of insufficient GWG, however, mechanisms and long-term impacts require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The results of some studies have indicated the association between food insecurity and certain adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity in pregnant women and its association with pregnancy outcomes and complications. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 772 mothers who visited comprehensive health service centers during the first 10 days after delivery in 2018. The tools included the demographic and midwifery information questionnaire and an 18-item questionnaire devised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The significance level was considered to be 0.05. Results 67.5% of pregnant women had food insecurity. The multivariate analysis showed that birth weight decreased with the increase in the severity of food insecurity, but the reduction was not statistically significant. Based on the results, food insecurity had no statistically significant impact on the mothers’ weight gain pattern (p = 0.13). The risk of hypertension/preeclampsia and anemia was not related to food insecurity. Compared with the food-secure group, the probability of gestational diabetes was 56% lower in the food-insecure group without hunger and 61% lower in the food-insecure group with moderate hunger; however, in the food-insecure group with severe hunger, this probability was 1.5 times more than the food-secure group, which is not statistically significant. Conclusions The prevalence of food insecurity was high in pregnant women. Maternal weight gains during pregnancy and birth weight (despite being statistically insignificant) were affected by this condition; therefore, it is necessary to identify women with food insecurity on their first pregnancy visit; it is also crucial to take steps towards improving their health through allocating a family food basket and nutritional support for these women at least during pregnancy. Due to the limited sample size and inability to control the potential confounders, the association between food insecurity during pregnancy and the incidence of pregnancy complications could not be reached, hence the need for more studies.

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth as a complex phenomenon is influenced by numerous endogenic and exogenic factors, although its exact cause often remains obscure. According to epidemiological studies, maternal periodontal diseases, in addition to affecting general health, can also cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. Nonetheless, the existing results in the literature regarding this topic remain controversial. Consequently, our study aimed to determine the connection between poor maternal periodontal status and neonatal birth weight. Materials and Methods: A total of 111 primigravida–primiparous pregnant, healthy women underwent a periodontal examination in the second trimester of their pregnancies. Probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were determined, and based on these diagnostic measurements, the patients were divided into three subgroups according to their dental status: healthy (H, n = 17), gingivitis (G, n = 67), and periodontitis (P, n = 27). Results: Considering that poor maternal oral status is an influencing factor for obstetrical outcomes, the presence of PD and BOP (characterized by the sulcus bleeding index, SBI) was evaluated. In the case of P, defined as PD ≥ 4 mm in at least one site and BOP ≥ 50% of the teeth, a significant correlation between BOP and a low neonatal birth weight at delivery (p = 0.001) was found. An analysis of the relationship between SBI and gestational age (GA) at the time of the periodontal examination in the different dental status groups showed a significant correlation between these parameters in the G group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a worse periodontal status during pregnancy may negatively affect obstetrical outcomes, especially the prematurity rate and newborn weight. Therefore, the importance of periodontal screening to prevent these complications is undeniable.

Neonatal birth weight is a crucial indicator of intrauterine growth and development with important implications for child development and adult health. The birth weight of a newborn is closely linked to the nutrition and health of the mother during pregnancy as well as genetic factors. Therefore, assessing the metabolic status of the fetus in utero is greatly significant for understanding the mechanisms responsible for abnormal birth weight. While previous studies often analyzed the impact of maternal metabolism on fetal development using umbilical cord blood from pregnant women, such blood may not accurately reflect the actual intrauterine environment owing to the barrier function of the placenta; moreover, obtaining biological samples during the fetal period is challenging. Meconium, the first feces excreted by a newborn, provides ideal biological material for studying maternal and infant health. Metabolomics can reveal metabolic changes in living organisms by analyzing small molecules in biological samples; hence studying meconium samples using metabolomics technology is expected to reveal fetal metabolic changes during pregnancy, thereby providing new insights into fetal nutritional intake, growth, and development, as well as metabolic pathways related to birth weight. To gain a deeper understanding of the metabolic changes associated with birth weight, this study collected metabolomic data from the meconium of 484 newborns in the established Xiaogan birth cohort using an untargeted metabolomics technique based on liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and analyzed the association between meconium metabolites and birth weight. This cohort exhibited incidence rates of low birth weight (<2500 g) and macrosomia (>4000 g) of 3.3% and 7.2%, respectively, which were roughly equivalent to the national average. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between the meconium metabolomes of the low birth weight and macrosomic groups when compared to the normal weight group. We discovered significant distinctions between the differential metabolites of newborns of low birth weight and those of normal weight, as well as between macrosomic and normal weight newborns that point to disparate biological pathways. Newborns with low birth weight exhibited significantly lower levels of critical amino acids, such as glutamate and proline, compared to the normal weight group, which may be associated with placental dysfunction and maternal nutritional deficiencies. Conversely, the meconium of macrosomic newborns contained significantly elevated levels of hormone metabolites such as estrone that reflected the pathophysiological state associated with maternal metabolic diseases or excessive placental hormone levels. Our study suggests that the metabolomic profile of the meconium reflects the metabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms at play during fetal growth and development, and offers potential metabolic biomarkers and directions for future in-depth research into diseases related to fetal development. However, this study was based solely on the Xiaogan birth cohort, which was limited to specific regions and populations. A multicenter, multiethnic, and multiregional study is expected to help validate the universality of our research findings.

Objective: Our study aimed to explore the association between maternal iron supplementation and newborn birth weight (BW) in Shaanxi Province using quantile regression (QR). Method: The data used in this study were derived from a large cross-sectional survey of a population in Shaanxi Province, Northwest China. A total of 28,209 women and their infants were selected using a stratified multistage random sampling method. The effect of iron supplementation on the newborn BW was assessed by a multiple linear regression model and QR. Results: A total of 5.15% of the women took iron supplements during pregnancy. Multiple linear regression showed that the iron supplementation during pregnancy had positive effects on the BW, with an average increase of 43.07 g (β = 43.07, t = 3.55, and p < 0.001). The QR showed that the iron supplementation during pregnancy was associated with an increased newborn BW from very low to higher percentiles (quantiles: 0 ~ 0.40), with the β ranging from 136.51 to 43.86. As the percentiles of the BW increased, the neonatal BW gain gradually declined in the iron supplementation group compared with the group that did not receive iron supplementation (quantiles: 0 ~ 0.40, with the β ranging from 136.51 to 43.86). Iron supplementation was more effective among women who suffered from anemia during pregnancy (β = 45.84, t = 2.05, and p = 0.04; quantiles: 0 ~ 0.15, 0.30, 0.80, with β ranging from 150.00 to 39.29) than it was in any other group (β = 38.18, t = 2.62, and p = 0.009; quantiles: 0 ~ 0.15, with β ranging from 133.33 to 28.32). Conclusions: Iron supplementation during pregnancy is associated with an increased newborn BW, and the effect was more obvious in the newborns with the lower BW and newborns whose mothers suffered from anemia during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The adequate maternal sleep duration required for favorable obstetric outcomes is unknown. We evaluated the association between maternal sleep duration and low birth weight infants, small for gestational age infants, and macrosomia.Methods: Participants enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, with singleton pregnancies after 22 weeks, who gave birth between 2011 and 2014 were enrolled and categorized into five groups according to maternal sleep duration during pregnancy: < 6.0 h, 6.0-7.9 h, 8.0-8.9 h, 9.0-9.9 h, and 10.0-12.0 h. We evaluated the association between maternal sleep duration and the incidence of low birth weight infants (< 2500 g), very low birth weight infants (< 1500 g), small for gestational age infants, and macrosomia (> 4000 g), with women with maternal sleep duration of 6.0-7.9 h as the reference, using a multiple logistic regression model.Results: In total, 82,171 participants were analyzed. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for low birth weight infants in women with maternal sleep duration of 9.0-9.9 h and 10.0-12.0 h and for small for gestational age infants in women with maternal sleep duration of 9.0-9.9 h were 0.90 (0.83-0.99), 0.86 (0.76-0.99), and 0.91 (0.82-0.99), respectively, before adjusting for excessive gestational weight gain. No significant association was observed between maternal sleep duration and these outcomes after adjusting for excessive gestational weight gain. Among women with appropriate gestational weight gain, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for low birth weight infants and for small for gestational age infants with sleep duration of 9.0-9.9 h were 0.88 (0.80-0.97) and 0.87 (0.78-0.97), respectively.Conclusions: Maternal sleep duration of 9.0-9.9 h was significantly associated with the decreased incidence of low birth weight infants and small for gestational age infants in pregnant women with appropriate gestational weight gain, compared with that of 6.0-7.9 h. Care providers should provide proper counseling regarding the association between maternal sleep duration and neonatal birth weight and suggest comprehensive maternal lifestyle modifications to prevent low birth weight and small for gestational age infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal birth weight is lower after assisted reproductive technology (ART) conception compared with natural conception. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the predictive potential of measuring maternal endometrial thickness (ET) in women undergoing ART for assessing neonatal birth weight. Methods: and Results The patients (n=100) were screened for meeting inclusion criteria with primary or secondary infertility and who underwent In-vitro Fertilization/ Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) or frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles were enrolled in the study. All women received the antagonist protocol with recombinant gonadotropins/urinary gonadotropins or human menopausal gonadotropin as a stimulation protocol. Only singleton pregnancies were used in neonatal birth weight (n=70) measurements. Retrospective data were collected for age, body mass index (BMI), and ET done by two-dimensional ultrasound that had successful pregnancy. The antenatal details, birth weight/gender of neonates were noted. A univariate regression analysis was performed between ET and neonatal birth weight in patients with live births (n=70) to evaluate association between these parameters. The data were adjusted for variables such as age, BMI, and gestational duration. There was significant association of ET with neonatal birth weight and ET was observed to be a significant independent predictor for neonatal birth weight (slope 0.168, P=0.0052). Conclusion: The present study suggests that ET measurement at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger in Indian women undergoing ARTcycles can be a reliable independent predictor for assessing neonatal birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between gestational weight gain and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on the risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes using cut off BMI criteria by Regional Office for the Western Pacific Region of WHO (WPRO). Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective cohort. Subjects of live birth singletons who had full term delivered at four tertiary care centers, teaching university hospitals between January and December 2012 were enrolled. All pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI 18.5 kg/m2 or over were recruited and categorized into two groups, normal BMI and high BMI. The level of BMI at 18.5 to 22.9 kg/m2 was defined as normal BMI, and level at or over 23 kg/m2 was defined as high BMI, respectively. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was grouped into two categories as recommended weight gain (RWG) and excessive weight gain (EWG) which defined as 11.5 to 16 kg and above 16 kg in normal pre-pregnancy BMI and 5 to 9 kg and above 9 kg in high prepregnancy BMI, respectively. The association between RWG and EWG in different pre-pregnancy BMI groups and poor adverse pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Results: Two thousand seven hundred and thirty-three pregnant women were recruited. Normal and high pre-pregnancy BMI women were 1,840 (67.33%) and 893 (32.67%), respectively. Of these, 2,036 cases had complete data for evaluation. In normal prepregnancy BMI, 737 (59.58%) were categorized as RWG (11.5 to 16 kg) and 500 (40.42%) as EWG (>16 kg), while in high prepregnancy BMI, 273 (34.17%) were categorized as RWG (5 to 9 kg) and 526 (65.83%) as EWG (>9 kg). The mean weight gain in the normal pre-pregnancy BMI group was 13.80+1.35 kg vs. 20.39+3.84 kg in the RWG and EWG group, respectively. While the mean weight gain in high pre-pregnancy BMI group was 7.32+1.38 kg vs. 15.24+4.46 kg in the RWG and EWG group, respectively. In multivariate logistic analysis, normal pre-pregnancy BMI group with EWG had increased risk of instrumental delivery or cesarean section (Odd ratio; with OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.08, p<0.001) and high pre-pregnancy BMI group with EWG, there was significant increased risk of preeclampsia with birth weight above 90th centile (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.15 and OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.12 with p = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: For pregnant women with high pre-pregnancy BMI by WPRO criteria increased the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes especially in excessive weight gain women. The high pre-pregnancy BMI should be a concern for pre-conception counseling. Optimal GWG ranges should develop based on pre-pregnancy BMI cut off for Asian women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work related factors have been suggested to adversely impact outcomes of pregnancy. The aims of this study were to compare neonatal birth weight in employed and non-employed women and to investigate the relation of 5 common occupational factors including working hours, shift work, standing, bending forward, and physical workload intensity to neonatal birth weight. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 370 pregnant women, 185 employed and 185 non-employed. Information were collected about working conditions including working hours, shift work, standing, walking, bending, squatting, physical workload intensity, socio - demographic characteristic, as well as obstetric history of each patient by interview. Association between maternal occupational activity and neonatal birth weight was adjusted for medical and obstetric, occupational details were studied using logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean birth weight in employed and non-employed women were 3052 ± 359.3, 3236.3 ± 377.2, respectively, which had a meaningful difference (P = 0.001). The mean of birth weight in employed women had a significant correlation with shift work (P = 0.0001), working hours per week (P = 0.001), and heavy a work load (P = 0.0001). After using linear multivariate regression, this study showed that employment and preterm delivery had the most significant effects on low birth weight. Conclusions: Neonatal birth weight in employed women is less than non-employed women. Therefore, careful prenatal visits to monitor growth of fetus and adjustment of working hours will be suggested.

Purpose: Bariatric surgery is widely known to improve pregnancy outcomes and to increase the risk of having small for gestational age neonates. However, the specific causes of neonatal growth restriction are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of bariatric surgery on pregnancy and perinatal status at a single institution.Methods: 24 women delivered singleton births among the 193 reproductive-aged women who underwent bariatric surgery. We classified the surgery into three types: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB; n = 6), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG; n = 5), and malabsorptive surgery (MS; n = 13), and investigated the pregnancy complications and perinatal impacts.Results: The median maternal weight gain after LAGB was 12.5 kg (LSG 6.9 kg, MS 9.0 kg). Gestational hypertension was observed in half of the women who underwent LAGB, but in none of those who underwent MS. No significant difference in neonatal birth weight was observed between the LAGB (median 3272 g) and LSG (median 3005 g) groups. The maternal impact after MS was a remarkable decrease in hemoglobin during prepregnancy (median 1.9 g/dl). About 69% of women developed gestational anemia after MS, and their neonatal birth weight was the lowest (median 2660 g). However, the birth weight of neonates delivered by mothers without anemia after undergoing MS was similar to that of those delivered by mothers after undergoing other types of bariatric surgery (median 3037 g).Conclusions: Maternal anemia after MS may lead to low neonatal birth weight, which could be attributed to the large-scale reduction in maternal micronutrient levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of umbilical arterial blood flow for predicting the preeclampsia neonatal and maternal outcomes. Methods: 120 cases of pregnant women who gave birth in the obstetrics department of our hospital were selected and divided into 60 cases of the preeclampsia group and 60 cases of the control group according to the pre-eclampsia incidence. The general data, blood lipids and blood glucose level, umbilical arterial blood flow and neonatal birth weight and placental weight and Apgar score during the cesarean section were recorded and compared between two groups, and the correlative and risk factors analysis were performed. Results: There was no significant difference in the maternal age, pregnancy, birth, abortion, and gestational age between the two groups(P>0.05). The level of serum HDL-C in the preeclampsia group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05), and the levels of serum TC, TG, LDL-C and FBG were higher than those in the non-eclamptic group(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the umbilical artery S/D, RI and PI values were significantly increased in the preeclampsia group(P<0.05). All pregnant women successfully completed the delivery, both the maternal and the newborn survived. The birth weight and placental weight and Apgar score of the newborn in the preeclampsia group were significantly lower than those of the non-eclamptic group(P<0.05). In the preeclampsia group, the Pearson correlation coefficient showed significant negative correlation between the umbilical artery S/D, RI, and PI values and neonatal birth weight(P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the umbilical artery S/D, RI and PI values of preeclampsia were the independent risk factors for neonatal birth weight(P<0.05). Conclusion: Umbilical artery blood flow was closely related to the birth weight of preeclampsia. Umbilical artery S/D, RI and PI values are independent risk factors for neonatal birth weight. Preeclampsia umbilical artery blood flow monitoring can be used to provide references for predicting the prognosis of neonatal and maternal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The results of prenatal nutrient supplementation on birth weight are inconsistent in different areas. This study aimed to investigate whether the effects of prenatal iron plus folic acid and folic acid supplementation on neonatal birth weights differed between urban and rural areas of Northwest China.Methods and Study Design: A stratified multistage random sampling method was used to recruit women between the ages of 15 and 49 and their offspring born between 2010 and 2013 from 10 urban areas and 20 rural areas of the Shaanxi Province of Northwest China. Information regarding socio-demographics and prenatal nutrient supplementation status was collected using a standardized questionnaire, and the neonatal birth weights were obtained from the birth certificates. Multilevel models were established separately for the urban and rural areas to assess the effects of prenatal nutrient supplementation on neonatal birth weights.Results: The association between prenatal nutrient supplementation and neonatal birth weight was not statistically significant in urban areas. However, in rural areas, prenatal iron plus folic acid and folic acid supplementation increased the mean birth weights by 45.3 g (9.4 to 81.1 g, p=0.014) and 30.9 g (15.6 to 46.1 g, p<0.001), respectively.Conclusions: The effects of prenatal nutrient supplementation on neonatal birth weights differ between urban and rural areas of Northwest China. The different effects may be due to the different nutritional status of the urban and rural pregnant women. Prenatal nutrient supplementation may be a helpful way for improving neonatal birth weight in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in healthy Chinese women and to investigate whether these outcomes could be decreased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate (EE/CPA) pretreatment.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: Medical university.Patient(s): Six thousand healthy women (group A) were selected from 24,566 pregnant women by randomized sampling. Four hundred forty-eight patients with PCOS without EE/CPA pretreatment were assigned to group B, and 222 patients with PCOS with 3 months of pretreatment to group C. All patients with PCOS had biochemical and/or clinical hyperandrogenism and conceived within 3 monthly ovulation inductions using clomiphene.Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), premature delivery (PD), and neonatal birth weight.Result(s): The prevalence of GDM, PIH, and PD was higher in group B than in groups A and C (A vs. B vs. C: GDM, 21.2% vs. 35.0% vs. 22.5%; PIH, 6.5% vs. 14.1% vs. 7.7%; PD, 5.4% vs. 8.6% vs. 6.8%). No significant difference was found in neonatal birth weight. After adjusting for age, pregestational body mass index, education level, and employment status, PCOS without pretreatment increased the risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.666; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.340-2.072), PIH (aOR = 1.487; 95% CI, 1.093-2.023), and PD (aOR = 1.522; 95% CI 1.051-2.205), compared with healthy women. No increased risk was found in group C.Conclusion(s): In our highly selected study population, patients with PCOS are more likely to develop GDM, PIH, and PD. Pretreatment with EE/CPA was associated with a lower risk of GDM, PIH, and PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pregnancy-associated complications, duration of gestation and parity are well-known predictors of neonatal birth weight. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) affects neonatal birth weight as well. Endometrial thickness as measured on the day of HCG triggering may therefore impact on the neonatal birth weight.Methods: The data of 764 singleton deliveries achieved after fresh transfer between November 1997 and 2014 were collected retrospectively with the intention to analyze the relationship of maternal and neonatal characteristics with endometrial thickness and the possible predictive value of endometrial thickness on neonatal birth weight.Results: Higher maternal age (p < 0.001), diminished ovarian reserve (p < 0.001), endometriosis (p = 0.008) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (p < 0.001) predicted thin endometrium. Neonatal birth weight (p = 0.004), longer duration of pregnancy (p = 0.008), parity (p = 0.026) and higher maternal BMI (p = 0.003) were correlated significantly with the degree of endometrial proliferation. Endometrial thickness strongly predicted neonatal birth weight (p = 0.004). After adjusting regression analysis for maternal age and BMI, parity, neonatal gender and pregnancy duration, endometrial thickness remained predictive for neonatal birth weight in pregnancies with obstetric complications (p = 0.017). In uneventful pregnancies duration and parity are determinants of neonatal birth weight.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that endometrial thickness is an additional ART-related factor influencing neonatal birth weight. This finding should be confirmed in large cohort studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of prenatal invasive procedures on neonatal birth weight. STUDY DESIGN: The present study consists of three group of pregnancies; 1) Amniocentesis group (n=97), 2) Chorionic Villus Sampling group (n=36), 3) Control group (matched patients without any intrauterine intervention, n=100). “Hacettepe University Perinatology Datae Base” is used in this study (January 2013-January 2014 interval is used for the extraction of datae). Singleton pregnancies without maternal complications (which may affect fetal birthweight) were included to this study. Exclusion criteria also includes cases with perinatal complications and fetuses with congenital abnormalities, cytogenetical problems and gene disorders. Consent forms were signed by patients prior to prenatal diagnosis and intrauterine interventions. RESULTS: Matched patient groups were compared in terms of maternal age, gestational week and neonatal birth weight. We have demonstrated that “control” group and “chorionic villus sampling” group babies are statistically significantly heavier than “amniocentesis” group babies (p=0.01). The mean (±SD) birthweight values are 3009 ±428 gr, 3178±409 gr and 3283±358 gr for the “amniocentesis” group, “chorionic villus sampling” group and “control” group respectively. Decreased birthweight values in “chorionic villus sampling” group is not statistically significant. (p=0.74 ). CONCLUSION: In this study, we have demonstrated that amniocentesis possibly influences the birthweight values. Decreased birthweight values may be due to the direct affect of amniocentesis itself through the depression and/or activation of various cytokines or growth factors, or the result of obstetrical problems behind the amniocentesis indications.

Objective: To investigate the combined effects of Chinese couples' body mass indices (BMIs) on the outcomes of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the clinical characteristics of their neonates.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: University-affiliated reproductive medicine center.Patient(s): A total of 12,061 first fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with autologous oocytes from September 1, 2009 to December 31, 2014.Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary treatment outcome was live birth, and the primary outcome for the neonates was neonatal birth weight (NBW).Result(s): After adjusting for confounders, our study showed that in IVF cycles, couples with a female BMI ≥25 kg/m(2) had a significantly higher odds of abortion and a significantly lower odds of live birth than couples with both male and female BMIs <25 kg/m(2). Regarding ICSI cycles, no significant relationship was found between the couples' BMIs and the live birth rate. The NBWs of singletons conceived via IVF/ICSI cycles was significantly higher when their parents' BMIs were greater; however, no significant differences were observed in the NBWs of twins conceived via IVF/ICSI cycles.Conclusion(s): Increased female BMI negatively affected live births conceived via IVF. Regarding ICSI, no significant differences were found in the outcomes in terms of parental BMI. The singleton neonates' NBWs increased with parental BMI conceived via IVF/ICSI. However, parental BMI did not significantly affect the NBWs of twins conceived via IVF/ICSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives : Considerations of both inter-pregnancy intervals and malaria parasitaemiamay help in understanding some aspects of susceptibility and pregnancy outcomes in malaria endemicareas.Methods : Pregnant women with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia were recruited and divided intogroups based on their inter-pregnancy intervals and malaria specific-IgG, body mass index, and birthweights were studied in the groups.Results : The results showed that the P. falciparum specific-IgG concentration (f = 3.52, p

Objective To determine whether 1,5-anhydroglucitol is predictive of neonatal birth weight. Study design A retrospective cohort study including 85 pregnancies complicated by diabetes (Type 1 = 37, Type 2 = 24, gestational = 24). Women had simultaneous hemoglobin A1c and 1,5-anhydroglucitol measurements every 4–8 weeks throughout pregnancy until delivery. Neonatal birth weight was evaluated by standardized z-scores. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine an association of 1,5-anhydroglucitol with neonatal birth weight z -score. Results Type 1 diabetic patients had the lowest mean 1,5-anhydroglucitol of 3.5 mcg/mL (SD = 1.6 mcg/mL) and highest mean hemoglobin A1c of 6.5% (SD = 0.74%) compared to gestational diabetic patients who had the highest mean 1,5-anhydroglucitol of 6.7 mcg/mL (SD = 3.8 mcg/mL) and lowest mean hemoglobin A1c of 6.0% (SD = 0.94%). Mean 1,5-anhydroglucitol values were significantly different between diabetes types ( p < 0.01). Mean neonatal birth weight was above population averages for all diabetes classifications, although mean birth weight z -scores did not differ significantly between diabetic types ( p = 0.38). Multivariate linear regression showed a negative association between log-transformed 1,5-anhydroglucitol and birth weight (coefficient −0.82, 95% CI −1.19, −0.46). Conclusion In pregnancies complicated by diabetes, low 1,5-anhydroglucitol was associated with increased neonatal birth weight. 1,5-Anhydroglucitol may be useful in the assessment of glycemic control in pregnancy in addition to A1c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of folic acid (FA) supplementation in prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs), although the extent of NTDs varies among individuals of different races and ethnic origin. China is a multi-ethnic country with no standard practice for FA-fortified food. Milk is consumed by women, but little is known about the effects of milk on folate concentration in maternal blood and neonatal umbilical cord blood in Han and Mongolian women after stopping taking the supplement for a month and five month, respectively. The objective of this study was to determine whether only daily consumption of liquid milk can increase the blood folate concentration in pregnant women and whether there are differences in blood folate concentrations between Han and Mongolian women after cessation of FA supplementation. Of the 4052 women enrolled in the parallel group design study. Three thousand five hundred and twenty-six women had confirmed pregnancies and were randomized to receive liquid milk or not until delivery. Women who consumed the liquid milk had significantly increased serum folate concentrations at 16 and 32 weeks of gestation as well as cord blood at birth compared to control groups in both ethnic groups. Infants born to women drinking milk also had better the term birth weight and height, which may be related to the increased concentration of folate. In conclusion, daily consumption of milk can increase the serum folate concentration in pregnant Han and Mongolian women in China (differences in the efficacy of FA and milk supplementation) and may enhance birth outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oxidative stress could play a role in the development of preeclampsia. Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) is a oxidatively modified form of albumin. Objective: To evaluate the levels of salivary and serum IMA and IMA: albumin ratio (IMAR) in preeclampsia and with its severity and investigate their correlation with the fetal birth weight. Methods: This case control study was conducted on 50 preeclamptic (32 mild and 18 severe cases) and 50 normal pregnant controls. Blood and saliva were obtained to measure albumin, IMA and IMAR was calculated. Results: serum and salivary IMA and IMAR were significantly increased in preeclampsia. Although the increase in serum was in accordance with the severity, it was not so in the saliva. Yet, salivary IMAR showed significant difference between controls and mild preeclampsia. There was a negative correlation between IMA and albumin in both serum and saliva. A weak negative correlation was seen between the serum IMAR and fetal birth weight ( r = −0.293; p < 0.05), but not with salivary IMAR. Conclusion: This study is an evidence for involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, which is reflected in serum and saliva. Salivary IMAR could be a better marker for early prediction of preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Little is known about the optimal cut-off point of fasting plasma glucose for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus for pregnant Chinese women. This study investigates the relationship between gestational fasting plasma glucose and several variables: neonatal birth weight, prenatal blood pressure and dystocia rate of pregnant women. In this study, we hoped to provide a useful tool to screen gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant Chinese women. Methods For 1058 pregnant women enrolled in our hospital at pregnancy weeks 22-30, fasting plasma glucose, neonatal birth weight and prenatal blood pressure, as well as dystocia conditions, were examined. We analysed the correlations between the following: gestational fasting plasma glucose and neonatal birth weight; prenatal blood pressure and gestational fasting plasma glucose as well as dystocia rate and gestational fasting plasma glucose group. Results Amodest correlation was observed between gestational fasting plasma glucose and neonatal birth weight (r=0.093, p=0.003). The macrosomia rate was smallest when the gestational fasting plasma glucose was in the range 3.51-5.5 mmol/L. Prenatal blood pressure increased linearly with increasing gestational fasting plasma glucose (p=0.000). There was a significant difference between the dystocia rates in different fasting plasma glucose groups (chisquared= 13.015, p=0.043). The results showed that the dystocia rate significantly increased when gestational fasting plasma glucose was >4.9 mmol/L; p=0.03, OR=2.156 (95% CI, 1.077-4.318). Conclusion We suggest that the optimal range of gestational fasting plasma glucose for pregnant Chinese women is in the range 3.5-4.9 mmol/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common complication during pregnancy. It contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to investigate the morphological and histopathological changes in placenta from pregnancies complicated with hypertension. Objectives: To study the morbid changes in placenta in cases of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and to correlate the findings with birth weight of new born babies in comparison with normotensive mothers. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 100 placentas, out of which 50 were collected from normotensive mothers and the remaining 50 from PIH cases. All the placentas were studied morphologically and histologically. The birth weight of neonates was recorded. Results: In the present study it was observed that weight and dimensions of placenta was less in study group when compared with control group. The mean neonatal birth weight was more in normal pregnancy and feto-placental weight ratio was significantly high in hypertensive group. Histopathological study showed significant number of syncitial knots, areas of fibrinoid necrosis, hyalinization, calcification, and medial coat proliferation of medium sized blood vessels in hypertensive group. Conclusion: PIH significantly affects the placenta by reducing its weight and dimensions. These changes may cause placental insufficiency as a result of compromised utero-placental blood flow. Therefore has an adverse affect on the neonatal birth weight. PIH has definite influence on morphology, histology of placenta, and thus affects the growth of the fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine whether an association is present between amniotic fluid (AF) galanin and neonatal birth weight (NBW). Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Fetal maternal unit in a tertiary teaching hospital. Population: Fifty women of singleton pregnancy who underwent amniocentesis during the second trimester and delivered after the 37th week of gestation. Methods: Amniocentesis 18th-19th gestational week for genetic indication with the use of a 22G needle under real-time sonographic guidance and measurement of galanin concentration in the AF. Main outcome measures: Association between concentration of AF galanin and NBW at term. Results: Galanin was isolated in all samples of AF (median concentration 19.95 pg/mL; range: 19.0-21.7). A strong linear correlation between AF galanin and NBW was detected ( τ = 0.928; p < 0.001). Non-parametric linear regression analysis revealed that galanin concentration could explain 72.1% of the variance in the NBW, when controlling for gestational week at birth and mother's body mass index at delivery. Conclusions: AF galanin during the second trimester seems to have a strong linear correlation with NBW of term deliveries in singleton pregnancies, even when controlling for important confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is scarcity of data from Pakistan, which looks at the relationship of maternal nutritional status with the neonatal birth weight The objective of study was to investigate association of increase in the neonatal birth weight with maternal height and weight, in 3rd trimester in normal pregnancy. Methods: The study was conducted between the months of April-November 2007 at Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. This case series included a total of 118 patients who were selected by consecutive sampling. Dietary history was taken by a semi structured Food Frequency questionnaire at the time of registration and 24 hours dietary recall was conducted at least three times from time of registration until the last visit before pregnancy and mean dietary intake for third trimester was calculated. Differences between group means were calculated by Student's t-test. Regression analysis was used to examine the trends between neonatal birth weight and the maternal dietary intake including energy, protein, carbohydrates and lipids. Results: Energy consumption of the pregnant women was 2168.89 Kcal/day during the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal energy intake showed a highly significant (P = 0.007) increase in the birth weight of the neonates. Neonatal birth weight was positively associated with increasing maternal height (p=0.02) as well as increasing maternal weight gain (P=0.008). No significant difference was observed between the mean maternal energy consumption (kcal/day), maternal weight gain in the last trimester (g/wk), and neonatal birth weight (g) between the pregnant women belonging to the different categories of Body Mass Index and mean upper arm circumference. Conclusion: Maternal nutritional status is positively associated with the neonatal birth weight. Expecting mothers and young girls nutrition must be given special attention to ensure delivery of a healthy and normal child. (Pak J Public Health 2012;2(4):4-10) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal weight gain and pattern of weight gain during pregnancy influence the ultimate outcome of pregnancy. Pregravid body mass index (BMI), maternal dietary intake, maternal height and age all determine the weight gain during pregnancy. The study was taken up with an objective to observe maternal weight gain and its pattern in pregnancy in women from an upper income group and to find out their association with pregnancy outcome. 180 normal primiparous pregnant Indian women (20–35 years) from an upper income group were recruited between the 10th and 14th weeks of pregnancy and were followed up throughout their pregnancy to record total and trimester-wise weight gain. Neonatal birth weights were recorded. The results showed that mothers with high pregravid BMI gained more weight during pregnancy than the recommended weight gain; in addition, weight gain in the first trimester was significantly correlated with birth weight of the neonates (P = 0.019). Significant correlation was found between weight gain in the third trimester and birth weight of the neonate irrespective of maternal BMI. The rate of weight gain was significantly correlated with neonatal birth weights irrespective of maternal pregravid BMI (P = 0.022) and as per its categories (P = 0.027). Thus, overall it can be concluded that adequate maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy is important for adequate weight gain by the mother and can result in better outcome of pregnancy. The rate of weight gain is also an important contributing factor. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Birth weight and related outcomes have profound influences on life cycle health, but the effect of maternal hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy on birth weight is still unclear. This study aims to reveal the associations between maternal hemoglobin concentrations in different trimesters of pregnancy and neonatal birth weight, LBW, and SGA. This was a prospective study based on a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted from July 2015 to December 2019 in rural areas of Northwest China. Information on maternal socio-demographic status, health-related factors, antenatal visits, and neonatal birth outcomes were collected. A total of 3748 women and their babies were included in the final analysis. A total of 65.1% and 46.3% of the participants had anemia or hemoglobin ≥ 130 g/L during pregnancy. In the third trimester, maternal hemoglobin concentration was associated with birth weight in an inverted U-shaped curve and with the risks of LBW and SGA in extended U-shaped curves. The relatively higher birth weight and lower risks for LBW and SGA were observed when hemoglobin concentration was 100–110 g/L. When maternal hemoglobin was <70 g/L or >130 g/L, the neonatal birth weight was more than 100 g lower than that when the maternal hemoglobin was 100 g/L. In conclusion, both low and high hemoglobin concentrations in the third trimester could be adverse to fetal weight growth and increase the risks of LBW and SGA, respectively. In addition to severe anemia, maternal hemoglobin >130 g/L in the third trimester should be paid great attention to in the practice of maternal and child health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: The aim of study was to assess the impact of intensive diabetic care, defined as target values for fasting glucose of 60–90mg/dl and 1-h postprandial glucose of below 130mg/dl, on neonatal birth weight in relation to risk indicators for fetal macrosomia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: In women with (N =543) and without GDM (N =1011) age, height, weight, previous GDM, history of macrosomia, family history of type 2 diabetes, parity and weight gain during pregnancy were recorded. Results: Neonatal birth weight and frequency distribution of macrosomia and infants with small for gestational age did not differ between women with and without GDM. Neonatal birth weight was strongly associated with traditional risk predictors for GDM, such like prior macrosomia (OR 5.03; 95%CI 3.36–7.53), prior GDM (OR 2.52; 95%CI 1.37–4.64) and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI)>23kg/m2 (OR 1.82; 95%CI 1.27–2.63). Conclusions: Neonatal birth weight and the incidence of macrosomia were similar in comparison of pregnancies with and without GDM. In the population of Caucasian women the strongest single predictors for macrosomia were prior macrosomia, BMI>23kg/m2 and prior GDM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]