Maternal Anthropometric Variables Research Articles

Maternal anthropometric variables and clinical factors shape neonatal microbiome

Recent studies indicate the existence of a complex microbiome in the meconium of newborns that plays a key role in regulating many host health-related conditions. However, a high variability between studies has been observed so far. In the present study, the meconium microbiome composition and the predicted microbial metabolic pathways were analysed in a consecutive cohort of 96 full-term newborns. The effect of maternal epidemiological variables on meconium diversity was analysed using regression analysis and PERMANOVA. Meconium microbiome composition mainly included Proteobacteria (30.95%), Bacteroidetes (23.17%) and Firmicutes (17.13%), while for predicted metabolic pathways, the most abundant genes belonged to the class “metabolism”. We observed a significant effect of maternal Rh factor on Shannon and Inverse Simpson indexes (p = 0.045 and p = 0.049 respectively) and a significant effect of delivery mode and maternal antibiotic exposure on Jaccard and Bray–Curtis dissimilarities (p = 0.001 and 0.002 respectively), while gestational age was associated with observed richness and Shannon indexes (p = 0.018 and 0.037 respectively), and Jaccard and Bray–Curtis dissimilarities (p = 0.014 and 0.013 respectively). The association involving maternal Rh phenotype suggests a role for host genetics in shaping meconium microbiome prior to the exposition to the most well-known environmental variables, which will influence microbiome maturation in the newborn.

Obesity in pregnant women: a 20-year analysis of the German experience

Background/objectiveTo investigate the longitudinal development of maternal body weight and analyze the influence of obesity on obstetrics during more than two decades in Germany.Subjects/methodsData collected from the Federal state of Schleswig-Holstein (German Perinatal Survey) were analyzed with regard to the dynamics of maternal anthropometric variables (body weight, BMI) between 1995–7 and 2004–17. In total 335,511 mothers substantiated the presented study-collective. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY.ResultsMaternal BMI advanced significantly over the study period. Among a rise in mean periconceptional body weight (67.6–72.0 kg), the segment of obese women increased disproportionately (in average 9.4–19.2%). Despite the observed trend to late giving birth (mean maternal age 1995: 29.3 vs. 30.7 years in 2017), it was not advanced maternal age but parity that influenced the continuous increase in maternal weight (mean maternal body weight 1995–7: primi- bi-, multiparae 67.4, 68.3 and 69.0 kg vs. 2004–17: primi- bi-, multiparae 70.0, 71.5 and 73.2 kg respectively).ConclusionObesity is a major problem on health issues in obstetrics. Advancing maternal BMI, increasing mother’s age and derived prenatal risks considerably complicate pregnancy and delivery. It has to be emphasized that its consequences do not end with delivery or childbed, but represent a livelong burden to the mother and their offspring. Hence, multimodal strategies to reduce/control periconceptional body weight are mandatory.

Pregestational obesity, maternal morbidity and risk of caesarean delivery in a country in an advanced stage of obstetric transition

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether pregestational obesity is associated with the risk of caesarean section in pregnant women living in a country in an advanced stage of the obstetric transition. MethodsRetrospective cohort study. Data were collected from prenatal and hospital records. Pregestational obesity was defined as: body mass index, [weight(k)/height (m2)] ≥30, and caesarean sections were categorized as elective, emergency, or non-emergency/medically necessary. Biodemographic and sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric and perinatal pathologies, and maternal anthropometric variables were assessed. Chi-square and t-tests were used to compare qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Simple and adjusted generalized linear models were used to evaluate the association between pregestational obesity and caesarean delivery. Finally, population attributable risk was calculated. Data analysis was performed using STATA.v.14.0. Participants2309 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth at a public hospital in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile in 2015. ResultsThe prevalence of pregestational obesity was 21.4%, and the incidence of caesarean deliveries was 34.8% (33% of which corresponded to elective, 46% to emergency, and 21% to non-emergency/medically necessary caesarean deliveries). Pregestational obesity increased the risk of caesarean delivery (aRR = 1.46; 95%CI. [1.19–1.79] as well as the risk of elective (aRR = 1.74; 95%CI. [1.23–2.45]) and emergency caesarean delivery (aRR = 1.44; 95%CI. [1.03–2.00]). The population attributable risk of pregestational obesity for caesarean section was 32%. ConclusionGiven the significant association between pregestational obesity and caesarean delivery, it is necessary to develop strategies to decrease obesity among women of childbearing age in order to decrease obstetric intervention.

Newborn anthropometry, maternal capital, and altitude in the highland population from the province of Jujuy, Argentina.

To analyze variability in newborn (NB) anthropometry among Jujenean NBs as a function of geographic altitude (500 m to ≈4000 masl), maternal anthropometry and other maternal characteristics within the maternal capital framework. Data obtained from 41,371 mother/child pairs recorded in the Jujuy Perinatal Information System (SIP) between 2009 and 2014, including: NB and maternal weight, length/height and BMI; gestational age (corrected); maternal age, educational level, nutritional status, and marital status; birth interval; and planned pregnancy. Based on the declared place of residence, the prevalence of unsatisfied basic needs (% UBN) was determined and the data was split into two altitudinal groups: highlands (HL, >2500 masl) and lowlands (LL, <2500 masl). ANOVA, Chi-squared and Pearson tests were applied as needed. Statistical associations between the response variables-NB weight, length and BMI-and maternal and environmental variables were tested using a Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM). All NB and maternal anthropometric variables were lower in HL compared to LL; they also presented negative correlations with altitude, except NB length. Apart from gestational age and birth interval, HL and LL presented statistically significant differences in all study variables. GAMM results showed that maternal anthropometry was the main influence on NB weight and length. Of all the maternal capital features examined, only maternal anthropometric variables were found to protect offspring against the negative impact of HL environments.

The impact of maternal adiposity specialization on infant birthweight: upper versus lower body fat

BackgroundThe specialization of human fat deposits is an inquiry of special importance in the study of fetal growth. It has been theorized that maternal lower-body fat is designated specifically for lactation and not for the growth of the fetus. ObjectiveOur goal was to compare the contributions of maternal upper-body versus lower-body adiposity to infant birth weight. We hypothesized that upper-body adiposity would be strongly associated with infant birth weight and that lower-body adiposity would be weakly or negligibly associated with infant birth weight—after adjusting for known determinants. Study designIn this prospective cohort study, 355 women initiated medical pre-natal care during the first trimester of pregnancy at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center during 1990–1993. Maternal anthropometric measurements were assessed at the first clinic visit: (a) height; (b) weight; (c) circumferences of the upper arm, forearm, and thigh; and, (d) skin-fold measurements of the bicep, subscapular region, and thigh. ResultsInfant birth weight was regressed on known major determinants to create the foundational model. Maternal anthropometric variables subsequently were added one at a time into this multiple regression model. The highest contribution by a single anthropometric variable to infant birthweight was, in order: subscapular skin-fold, forearm circumference, and thigh circumference. With one upper-body (subscapular skin-fold) and one lower-body (circumference of the thigh) adiposity measure in the model, the z-score regression coefficient (s.e.) was 85.7g (30.8) [p=0.0057] for maternal subscapular skin-fold and 19.0g (31.6) [p=0.5477] for circumference of the thigh. When the second-best upper-body contributor to infant birthweight (circumference of the forearm) was entered with one lower-body measure into the model, the z-score regression coefficient (s.e.) was 77.5g (38.5) [p=0.0451] for maternal forearm circumference and 14.1g (38.5) [p=0.7146] for circumference of the thigh. When both subscapular skinfold and forearm circumference were added to the model in place of BMI, the explained variance (r2=0.5478) was similar to the model using BMI (r2=0.5487). ConclusionUpper-body adiposity – whether operationalized by subscapular skin-fold or circumference of the forearm – was a markedly larger determinant of infant birth weight than lower-body adiposity.

Dose–response association between maternal body mass index and small for gestational age: a meta-analysis

Objective: This study was performed to determine the dose–response relationships between maternal anthropometric variables and risk of small for gestational age (SGA).Methods: Linear and nonlinear dose–response meta-analyses were performed to summarize the adjusted relative risks of SGA. Ten databases, including PubMed (MEDLINE), were searched. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.Results: A total of 323 243 subjects were extracted from high-quality studies to evaluate maternal body mass index (BMI) (n = 9). The generalizability of the findings regarding height and weight (n = 3 and 2, respectively) was limited. The non-linear model (p for non-linearity < 0.05) showed a significant and inverse association of maternal BMI with risk of SGA, although only two of nine studies involved obese women (i.e. BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The slope of the dose–response curve between maternal BMI and SGA (i.e. the amount of reduction in SGA risk) decreased gradually.Conclusions: SGA risk may be reduced by increasing BMI of normal (i.e. 18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2) and overweight women (i.e. 25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2), but the most marked reduction is achieved by increasing BMI of underweight women (i.e. BMI < 18.5 kg/m2).

Longitudinal variance of visceral fat thickness in pregnant adolescents

This study aims to investigate the longitudinal change in visceral fat thickness (VFT) during normal pregnancy. A prospective cohort study with 75 primiparous adolescents was carried out in Petrolina, Brazil. VFT was evaluated by ultrasound between 12-20 weeks gestation and immediately after delivery. We noted a statistically significant increase in VFT; 1.3 cm ± 1.0. No correlation was found between VFT and maternal anthropometric variables. VFT increases about 30% from the first to the second half of pregnancy in primiparous adolescents.

Relationship between maternal characteristics and neonatal birth size in Egypt

This study in Egypt investigated the influence of selected maternal factors on neonatal birth size. Data were collected after delivery from 782 apparently healthy pregnant women and their neonates. A questionnaire on personal, medical, socioeconomic status, smoking habits and exposure to smoking was completed. Maternal weight and height, food frequency intake during pregnancy and haemoglobin levels were recorded for 594, 234 and 246 of the mothers respectively. Neonatal birth weight, length and head circumferences were measured. A significant positive correlation between maternal anthropometric variables with neonatal birth dimensions was observed and the effect was more evident in girls than boys for BMI and head circumference. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between maternal haemoglobin levels and birth size. Birth size was strongly correlated with maternal consumption of micronutrient-rich food at all stages of gestation. Passive smoking significantly affected birth weight and BMI of girls more than boys.

Factores de Crecimiento, Variables Antropométricas Maternas y Tamaño de Recién Nacidos de Término

Introduction : Fetal growth is a physiological phenomenon involving maternal, placentary and fetal factors. Objective : To analyze growth factors and maternal anthropometric variables in full-term newborns (NB) and compare them to their size. Patients and Methods : 138 newborns, 37-41 gestational weeks, sorted according to size in low, normal and large for gestational age. Umbilical cord blood was measured for: ELISA, insulin, cortisol, IGF, IGFBP-3. Results : A statistically significant difference was seen between maternal weight at the beginning and end of pregnancy, and BMI (body mass index) at the beginning of pregnancy with the size of the NB (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between growth factors and NB size. Conclusion : Insulin, Cortisol, IGF1, IGFBP-3 do not show statistically significant differences with the size of a newborn, although the mean value of growth factors in normal and large NB for gestational age, were twice than mean values in low for gestational age newborns. There is a positive, statistically significant correlation between the size of the newborn, and the size of the mother, weight at the beginning and end of the pregnancy and the Body Mass index of the mother at the beginning of the pregnancy.

Maternal blood lead concentration, diet during pregnancy, and anthropometry predict neonatal blood lead in a socioeconomically disadvantaged population.

To determine the influences of maternal diet and nutrition during pregnancy on the blood lead level of neonates, we conducted a study of mother-infant pairs from lower socioeconomic circumstances living in Albany County, New York. Maternal blood lead (MBPb), anthropometry, and diet were assessed in each trimester. Neonates' blood lead (NBPb) levels were low (geometric mean = 1.58 micro g/dL), and none had elevated blood lead. More than 50% of the mothers had intakes below the recommended dietary allowances for zinc, calcium, iron, vitamin D, and kilocalories. As expected, MBPb was strongly and positively related to NBPb. Among the anthropometric measures of maternal nutritional status, variables measuring gain in weight and arm circumference were negatively related to NBPb. In multivariable models reflecting different analytic strageties and including MBPb, anthropometry, and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intakes of iron and vitamin D were negatively related to NBPb. The effect of zinc varied substantially depending on model covariates. Effects of dietary constituents are difficult to distinguish, given the intercorrelated nature of nutrients in the diet. Nevertheless, the influences of maternal anthropometric variables, iron, and vitamin D on neonatal lead levels are clear in our analyses.

Maternal height and prepregnancy body mass index as risk factors for selected congenital anomalies.

Previous studies have observed an increased risk of approximately twofold or more for neural tube defects (NTD) associated with maternal obesity before pregnancy based on a body mass index (BMI) of > 29 kg/m2. No additional maternal factor appeared substantially to influence this association. Here, we explore further the association between BMI and NTD risk by considering the separate contributions of maternal prepregnant BMI and height. We also explore whether selected congenital anomalies, in addition to NTDs, were associated with maternal height or prepregnant BMI. Data were derived from two California population-based case-control studies. One study comprised 538 NTD cases and 539 non-malformed control infants. The other study included an additional 265 NTD cases, as well as 207 conotruncal cases, 165 limb anomaly cases, 662 orofacial cleft cases and 734 non-malformed controls. Maternal interviews in both studies elicited information on maternal height and prepregnant weight. Anomaly risk was described using additive linear logistic regression models. Results revealed increasing NTD risk with increasing maternal prepregnant BMI, controlling for maternal height. These patterns were observed overall as well as for most race/ethnic groups. Increasing NTD risk for decreasing height controlling for maternal BMI was also observed in one NTD study, but was not as evident in the other. Elevated risks for increasing maternal BMI and decreasing maternal height were not observed consistently for the other studied anomalies. The mechanisms underlying the association between maternal weight, or possibly maternal height, and NTD-affected pregnancy risk are unknown. Exploration of other data sets will be needed to determine whether similar patterns of NTD risk or lack of risk for other anomalies are associated with the two maternal anthropometric variables, height and prepregnant weight.

Maternal determinants of birthweight in normal pregnancy.

Partial and multiple regression analysis was performed to find out the correlation between birthweight and maternal anthropometric variables. Pearson regression analysis revealed significant dependence of birthweight on gestation of pregnancy, maternal weight, symphysis-sternal distance and height, but not on armspan and skin thickness. However, the only maternal variable bearing significant influence on birthweight in partial regression analysis was bodyweight. The effects of maternal determinants on birthweight, though some of them were statistically significant, were clinically unimportant.