Abstract
The epigenetic impact of malnutrition in mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) on their offspring has not been fully elucidated. Recently, several reports have demonstrated that children born to mothers with HG were small for gestational age and had low birth weight, reduced insulin sensitivity, and neurodevelopmental delays during childhood. Therefore, we examined the relationship between fetal growth and changes in the maternal body weight in HG cases. A total of 34 patients with HG were hospitalized and delivered at term between 2009 and 2012. The records of 69 cases of pregnant women without a history of HG were extracted after matching their maternal age, parity, pregestational body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and fetal sex ratio with those of the HG group for comparison. The maternal weight gain at term was less in the HG than in the control group. There was no statistical difference in birth weight, placental weight, and ultrasonic fetometric parameters expressed in standard deviation (SD) scores, including biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length, between the HG and the control group. Whereas fetal head growth in the HG group was positively associated with maternal weight gain at 20 weeks of gestation only, this association was not observed in the control group. We herein demonstrate that maternal weight gain from the nadir is associated with fetal head growth at mid-gestation. Thus, maternal undernutrition in the first trimester of pregnancy could affect fetal brain growth and development, leading to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delays in later life.
Highlights
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) involves persistent severe nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, affecting both the mother and the fetus [1]
The adverse effects caused by HG include dehydration, vitamin deficiency, and electrolyte imbalance in pregnant women [5] and an increased risk of low birth weight and small size for gestational age in the fetus [6]
With regard to the etiology of HG, a genetic study revealed a variance in the gene encoding an intracellular calcium release channel involved in vomiting and cyclic vomiting syndrome in families with possible inheritance of HG [8]
Summary
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) involves persistent severe nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, affecting both the mother and the fetus [1]. The adverse effects caused by HG include dehydration, vitamin deficiency, and electrolyte imbalance in pregnant women [5] and an increased risk of low birth weight and small size for gestational age in the fetus [6]. HG may affect maternal acceptance of pregnancy as well as acceptance of motherhood and later quality of life [7]. With regard to the etiology of HG, a genetic study revealed a variance in the gene encoding an intracellular calcium release channel involved in vomiting and cyclic vomiting syndrome in families with possible inheritance of HG [8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
