Maternal Growth Research Articles

Climate-influenced performance and offspring development of merino sheep in a dry temperate-cold valley

This study aims to explore the effects of climate on the performance and offspring development of aged Merino sheep relocated from an arid, cold environment with harsh grazing conditions to a dry, temperate-cold valley with irrigated pasture production. We utilized time series data from merino sheep in a dry temperate-cold climate in southern Argentina to characterize their growth curves, assess the impact of climate on performance, and compare offspring growth with maternal growth. Our approach involved developing a dynamic model, a non-autonomous differential equation growth curve based on the widely used Brody model. The model considered variables such as local temperature, age, sex, origin, and pregnancy status to determine the optimal combination of parameters for sheep growth in our dataset. The results have shown that moving the old sheep from the steppe to the valley resulted in an increase of an average of 1 kg in weight, but their offspring had an asymptotic weight of 65 kg, 17 kg more than their mothers. The optimum temperature for the growth rate was 15.7+/-0.56 C and 8.7+/-6.3C for the asymptotic weight.

Evidence that highly canalized fetal traits are sensitive to intergenerational effects of maternal developmental nutrition.

Maternal experiences before pregnancy predict birth outcomes, a key indicator of health trajectories, but the timing and pathways for these effects are poorly understood. Here we test the hypothesis that maternal pre-adult growth patterns predict pregnancy glucose and offspring fetal growth in Cebu, Philippines. Using multiple regression and path analysis, gestational age-adjusted birthweight and variables reflecting infancy, childhood, and post-childhood/adolescent weight gain (conditional weights) were used to predict pregnancy HbA1c and offspring birth outcomes among participants in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Maternal early/mid-childhood weight gain predicted birth weight, length, and head circumference in female offspring. Late-childhood/adolescent weight gain predicted birth length, birth weight, skinfold thickness, and head circumference in female offspring, and head circumference in male offspring. Pregnancy HbA1c did not mediate relationships between maternal growth and birth size parameters. In Cebu, maternal growth patterns throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence predict fetal growth via a pathway independent of circulating glucose, with stronger impacts on female than male offspring, consistent with a role of developmental nutrition on offspring fetal growth. Notably, the strength of relationships followed a pattern opposite to what occurs in response to acute pregnancy stress, with strongest effects on head circumference and birth length and weakest on skinfolds. We speculate that developmental sensitivities are reversed for stable, long-term nutritional cues that reflect average local environments. These findings are relevant to public health and life-history theory as further evidence of developmental influences on health and resource allocation across the life course.

283 Awardee Talk: Effects of Late Gestational Maternal Nutrient Balance on Nutrient Partitioning to the Gravid Uterus in Beef Cattle

Abstract Successful intrauterine growth relies on adequate placental nutrient transfer capacity and is determined by placental size, placental morphology, uteroplacental blood supply, nutrient transporter abundance, and the nutrients available in maternal circulation. The majority of bovine fetal growth occurs during late gestation and must be accompanied by similar exponential increases in uteroplacental development to allow for necessary nutrient delivery. Competition for nutrients in young females between maternal growth and satisfying pregnancy, lactation, and maintenance requirements is still poorly understood. Our current work investigated the relationships between maternal, fetal, and uteroplacental factors and the impacts of late gestational nutrient restriction on prenatal nutrient delivery to the calf. Analysis of 113 full-term expelled placentas revealed that primiparous dams and dams in thin body condition had smaller placentas than their older or fleshier counterparts, suggesting the addition of growth requirements or exhausted nutrient reserves limited placental and fetal development. Calf size at birth and placental weight were positively correlated among all females, but it is still unknown which controls and signals for the growth of the other. Uterine blood flow measured during late gestation was positively correlated with calf birth weight; however, uterine blood flow and placental weight were only positively correlated closer to parturition at 40 and 20 d before calving. Additionally, contralateral uterine blood flow may have a disproportionately greater contribution to placental and fetal growth as it more closely resembled total blood flow associations than did ipsilateral. In 2 experiments, primiparous females fed 70% of energy and protein requirements during late gestation lost body weight and condition, had less metabolites in circulation, and had lower maternal heart rates than those fed to meet requirements. In Exp. 1, nutrient restricted dams had less contralateral placental growth, yet total uterine blood flow and placental weight were maintained and ensured fetal growth similar to control offspring. In Exp. 2, nutrient restriction reduced calf birth weight by 15%. Fetal growth perturbations were largely driven by a 17% reduction in placental size along with less nutrients available from maternal circulation, independent of a concomitant decrease in uterine blood flow. At 48 h of age, calf visceral organs were smaller due to nutrient restriction, but asymmetrical growth allowed for growth of the brain, lungs, and bone to be spared. Ongoing analysis of cotyledonary nutrient transporter and angiogenic factor gene expression will provide crucial insight into another determinant of placental nutrient transfer capacity. These findings demonstrate that pregnant beef females in a negative nutrient balance will attempt to spare fetal growth but at a certain threshold placental adaptation can be compromised, resulting in intrauterine growth restriction. A better understanding of nutrient delivery to the gravid uterus will allow for improved management strategies to ensure optimal fetal growth.

Is relaxing broiler breeder growth restriction cost-effective?

Broiler breeders are subjected to feed restriction programs to control excessive growth. However, current levels of feed restriction and concomitant growth restriction are becoming severe, raising welfare and suboptimal reproductive performance concerns in underfed breeders. To circumvent the issue, our previous studies investigated the effects of new strategic growth curves, with various degrees of relaxed growth restrictions, on broiler breeders and their progeny's performance. The broiler breeder study was conducted with 40 Ross 708 broiler breeder pullets reared on 1 of 10 target growth trajectories using a precision feeding (PF) system. The growth trajectories were designed with 2 levels of the amount of prepubertal BW gain and 5 levels of pubertal growth timing. The prepubertal BW gain (g1) was estimated from the breeder-recommended standard BW gain (Standard g1) target, or 10% higher (High g1). The pubertal growth timing (I2) was advanced such that it happened at I2-0%=22.29 wk, I2-5%=21.16 wk, I2-10%=20.05 wk, I2-15%=18.94 wk, I2-20%=17.82 wk of age. Two broiler experiments with different maternal ages (35 and 42 wk) were conducted as the extension of the breeder experiment to evaluate the intergenerational effects of a reduced degree of maternal prepubertal phase growth restriction and earlier maternal pubertal phase growth on offspring growth and development. The current paper investigated the economic aspects of implementing the growth curves using the partial budget analysis. Increasing prepubertal BW gain by 10% and advancing the pubertal growth phase by 20% (scenario 10) could increase margin over feed and chick cost for the hatching egg producers by CDN$1.97/hen. For broiler chicken supply chain as a whole, the highest differential margin over feed and chick cost was for maternal growth scenario 10 from 42-wk-old hens. The latter margin over feed and chick cost was greater than that of breeder-recommended maternal growth (from 35-wk-old hens) by $0.1053/kg live chicken under the current economic situation.

PECULIARITIES OF SHOOTS OF AXES OF DIFFERENT ORDERS IN THE CROWN STRUCTURE OF <i>ULMUS GLABRA</i> (ULMACEAE) VIRGINAL TREES

The crown of model trees growing in natural habitats is characterized. An attempt was made to identify more conservative and stable traits of crown axes of different orders. The dependence of the composition of shoots of second-order axes on their position in the first-order axis of the maternal growth is shown. The relationship between the lifetime of the axes and the time of their growth (aging) is revealed. Skeletal axes of the second order show similar pattern of changing the number of shoots from year to year, but differ in the length of their constituent shoots. The axes of the third, fourth and fifth orders determine individual differences of trees, by adjusting them to specific habitats. It was revealed that the change in the dominance of the fourth order over the third one in the crown reflects the regulation of the crown development under specific conditions and the rate of ontogeny. Acrotonia in the form of a stronger development of lateral shoots in the second and third positions from above on the mother shoot is characteristic of all branching orders. With an increase of the branching order, the manifestation of acrotonia is smoothed out. In this regard, the shoots of high orders become more and more similar to each other, which is particularly associated with the manifestation of the aging effect.

Late gestational nutrient restriction in primiparous beef females: nutrient partitioning among the dam, fetus, and colostrum during gestation.

Fall-calving primiparous crossbred beef females [body weight (BW): 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; body condition score (BCS): 5.4 ± 0.7] were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to receive either 100% (control; CON; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from day 160 of gestation to calving. Heifers were individually-fed chopped poor quality hay and supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes based on estimated hay intakes. Dam BW, BCS, backfat, and metabolic status were determined pre-treatment, every 21 d (BW and metabolic status) or 42 d (BCS and backfat) during gestation, and post-calving. At birth, calf BW and size were measured, and total colostrum from the most full rear quarter was collected pre-suckling. Data were analyzed with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. Gestational metabolites included day and nutritional plane × day as repeated measures. During late gestation, CON dams gained (P < 0.01) maternal (non-gravid) BW and maintained (P ≥ 0.17) BCS and backfat, while NR dams lost (P < 0.01) maternal BW, BCS, and backfat. Circulating glucose, urea N, and triglycerides were less (P ≤ 0.05) in NR dams than CON at most late gestational timepoints after treatment initiation. Circulating non-esterified fatty acids were greater (P < 0.01) in NR dams than CON. Post-calving, NR dams weighed 63.6 kg less (P < 0.01) and were 2.0 BCS less (P < 0.01) than CON. At 1 h post-calving, NR dams had less (P = 0.01) plasma glucose and tended to have less (P = 0.08) plasma triglycerides than CON. Nutrient restriction did not affect (P ≥ 0.27) gestation length, calf birth weight, or calf size at birth. Colostrum yield was 40% less (P = 0.04) in NR dams than CON. Protein and immunoglobulin concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.04), but free glucose and urea N concentrations were less (P ≤ 0.03), in colostrum of NR dams than CON. Colostrum total lactose, free glucose, and urea N were less (P ≤ 0.03) in NR dams than CON, but total protein, triglycerides, and immunoglobulins were not affected (P ≥ 0.55). In summary, beef heifers experiencing late gestational nutrient restriction prioritized partitioning nutrients to fetal growth and colostrum production over maternal growth. During undernutrition, fetal and colostral nutrient demands were largely compensated for by catabolism of maternal tissue stores.

O193 Nutrient restriction in heifers during early pregnancy: effects on maternal growth performance, intake, and behaviour in the subsequent trimesters and on calf birth weight

O193 Nutrient restriction in heifers during early pregnancy: effects on maternal growth performance, intake, and behaviour in the subsequent trimesters and on calf birth weight

Vitamin D receptor gene Polymorphisms (fok1 and taq1) among Sudanese women with recurrent miscarriages

Background: Vitamin D endocrine system was formally known as a key player in calcium and phosphatehomoeostasis and in regulation of bone remodelling. It is influences maternal and fetal cell differentiation and cell growth immune regulation, insulin secretion and anti-proliferative processes Methods: A case control study was conducted at the National Center of Neurological Sciences (NCNS), Khartoum, Sudan from 2021 to 2022. All patients attending obese and gaina unit at Ibraheim Malike teaching hospital and diagnosed with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion during the aforementioned period were included as a cases. Apparently healthy women with no history of abortion at a reproductive age were selected as control. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood, conventional PCR machine was used to amplify the VDR gene. PCR productswere then sequenced. Results A219 bp of VDR (FokI) allele was detected with gel electrophoresis after PCR. The PCR result shows that all of cases were positive100%forVDR (FokI) allele, while34% of controls were positive. When the cases sequencing results were compared with the normal reference the following single Base Exchange were found A&gt;C, G&gt;T and G&gt;A. While when the controls were compared with normal reference, no any single base exchange was found among the all control groups. Mutation taster was used to confirmed the mutations which revealed; A&gt;C Base Exchange polymorphism was predicted, that is confirms the presence of rs2228570polymorphism. Also two another Base Exchange polymorphism was predicted G&gt;A and G&gt;T. For the Taq1 alleles; 242 bp of VDR (TaqI) allele was detected with gel electrophoresis after PCR. The PCR result shows that 97.7% of cases were positive for VDR (TaqI) allele and14% of controls group were positive. The sequencing analysis detected three single Base Exchange polymorphisms C&gt;T, G&gt;C and C&gt;A. Mutation taster was used to confirmed the mutations which revealed; C&gt;T Base Exchange polymorphism was predicted, that is confirms the presence of rs731236 polymorphism. In addition to prediction of G&gt;C and C&gt;A which changed the amino acid sequence and the spliced sit. Conclusion: The study showed a significant association between fok1 rs2228570 and taq1 rs731236 variants of the VDR gene and recurrent recurrent miscarriage among Sudanese women

Traumatic childbirth during COVID-19 triggers maternal psychological growth and in turn better mother-infant bonding

BackgroundAlthough posttraumatic psychological growth (PTG) occurs following stressful events, knowledge of maternal psychological growth as a result of giving birth during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is lacking. MethodsWe assessed PTG associated with recent childbirth (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory) in a sample of 2205 women who gave birth during the pandemic and 540 who gave birth before. They also provided information about birth-related traumatic stress (Peritraumatic Distress Inventory; PTSD Checklist), mother-infant bonding (Maternal Attachment Inventory), and breastfeeding. ResultsClose to two thirds (60.45 %) of participants reported childbirth-related PTG with greater appreciation of life endorsed most frequently. No group differences in PTG prevalence were noted between deliveries during or before COVID-19 (χ2 = 0.35, p = 0.84). A multigroup mediation model revealed that in deliveries during the pandemic, childbirth-related acute stress was linked with elevated PTG (β = 0.07, p < 0.01); in turn, PTG was associated with lower posttraumatic stress symptoms (β = −0.06, p < 0.05) and better mother-infant bonding (β = 0.22, p < 0.001). These indirect paths via PTG were not significant in deliveries before the pandemic. LimitationsReliance on a convenient sample, self-reports, and cross-sectional design may introduce bias. ConclusionsPerceived positive maternal psychological changes as a result of childbirth are endorsed by a significant portion of women during the pandemic and can ensue in response to traumatic childbirth. Maternal growth is further implicated in successful postpartum adjustment and positive mother-infant interactions during an important period. Hence, directing clinical attention to opportunities of maternal psychological growth may have benefits especially for women at risk for the adverse outcomes of exposure to traumatic experiences of childbirth.

Maternal Low Volume Circulation Relates to Normotensive and Preeclamptic Fetal Growth Restriction.

This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the association between maternal low volume circulation and poor fetal growth. Though much work has been devoted to the study of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, a low intravascular volume may explain why high vascular resistance causes hypertension in women with preeclampsia (PE) that is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and, at the same time, presents with normotension in FGR itself. Normotensive women with small for gestational age babies show normal gestational blood volume expansion superimposed upon a constitutionally low intravascular volume. Early onset preeclampsia (EPE; occurring before 32 weeks) is commonly associated with FGR, and poor plasma volume expandability may already be present before conception, thus preceding gestational volume expansion. Experimentally induced low plasma volume in rodents predisposes to poor fetal growth and interventions that enhance plasma volume expansion in FGR have shown beneficial effects on intrauterine fetal condition, prolongation of gestation and birth weight. This review makes the case for elevating the maternal intravascular volume with physical exercise with or without Nitric Oxide Donors in FGR and EPE, and evaluating its role as a potential target for prevention and/or management of these conditions.

1051-P: Elevated Cord Serum Adiponectin Concentration Is Associated with Increased Risk for Fetal Overgrowth

Adiponectin is an important adipokine that promotes insulin sensitivity and stimulates glucose and lipids metabolism. Whether maternal and fetal adiponectin influence fetal growth is not fully understood. We examined the association of maternal (at entry and 3rd trimester, 16 and 30 weeks of gestation) and cord serum adiponectin levels with fetal growth in a nested case-control study in 100 healthy mother (age 21.5±5 yr., BMI 25.7±7) and infant pairs selected from a large prospective cohort. The samples included large for gestational age (LGA, n=32) , small for gestational age (SGA, n=26) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA, n=42) newborns. Adiponectin levels (µg/ml) were analyzed by ELISA. Multivariate analyses adjusted for potential confounding variables were performed. Adiponectin level in cord serum was 2.75 and 3.3-fold higher than that in maternal serum at entry and 3rd trimester respectively (p&amp;lt;0.00for each) . Maternal and cord serum adiponectin were not significantly correlated at entry (r=-0.065, p&amp;gt;0.05) and in the third trimester (r=0.066, p &amp;gt;0.05) . Fetal adiponectin was significantly and positively correlated with infant birth weight, birth length, head and chest circumferences (r=0.254 to 0.337, p&amp;lt;0.to p&amp;lt;0.0001) . Moreover, the highest tertile of fetal adiponectin (highest tertile, &amp;gt;78.0) was associated with an increased risk of LGA (AOR 3.13, 95% CI 1.18, 8.31) , and a reduced risk of SGA (AOR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05, 0.77) . In contrast, maternal adiponectin levels at entry and 3rd trimester were not associated with infant birth weight or sizes (r=-0.132 to 0.146, p&amp;gt;0.for each) . Differences in maternal adiponectin among 3 groups of LGA, SGA and AGA were not statistically significant (p&amp;gt;0.05) . Our data suggest that increased cord adiponectin level is associated with an increased risk of LGA in healthy pregnant women. It may implicate that maternal and fetus adiponectin have opposite roles in regulating and maintaining a normal fetal growth. Disclosure X.Chen: None. J.A.Whiting: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01MD007828)

P165. Effect of the maternal diet and growth rate in the suckling period on nutrient uptake in the jejunum of piglets

P165. Effect of the maternal diet and growth rate in the suckling period on nutrient uptake in the jejunum of piglets

The impact of telehealth applications on pregnancy outcomes and costs in high-risk pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Telehealth is an applicable, acceptable, cost-effective, easily accessible, and speedy method for pregnant women. This study aimed to examine the impact of telehealth applications on pregnancy outcomes and costs in high-risk pregnancies. Studies were selected from PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, and Clinical Key databases according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria from January to February 2021. Cochrane risk-of-bias tools were used in the quality assessment of the studies. Four observational and eight randomized controlled studies were included in this meta-analysis (telehealth: 135,875, control: 94,275). It was seen that the number of ultrasound (p < 0.01) and face-to-face visits (p < 0.01), fasting insulin (p < 0.01), hemoglobin A1C before delivery (p < 0.01), and emergency cesarean section rates (p = 0.05) were lower in the telehealth group. In the telehealth group, the women's use of antenatal corticosteroids (p = 0.03) and hypoglycemic medication at delivery (p = 0.03), the total of nursing interventions (p < 0.01), compliance with actual blood glucose measurements (p < 0.01), induction intervention at delivery (p = 0.003), and maternal mortality (p < 0.001) rates were higher. Two groups were similar in terms of the use of medical therapy, total gestational weight gain, health problems related to pregnancy, mode and complications of delivery, maternal intensive care unit admission, fetal-neonatal growth and development, neonatal health problems and mortality, follow-up, and care costs. Telehealth and routine care yielded similar maternal/neonatal health and cost outcomes. It can be said that telehealth is a safe technique to work with in the management of high-risk pregnancies.

The First United Arab Emirates National Representative Birth Cohort Study: Study Protocol.

BackgroundIn recent years, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has escalated. Evidence suggests that there are strong associations between nutrition in early life and the risk of disease in adulthood. This manuscript describes the study protocol of the First United Arab Emirates National Representative Birth Cohort Study (UAE-BCS), with the objective of investigating nutrition and lifestyle factors in the first 1,000 days of life. The main aims of the study are (1) to address critical issues relating to mother and child nutrition and their effect on growth and development, (2) to profile maternal nutrition, child growth, health, and development outcomes in early life, and (3) to study the associations between these factors among the Emirati population in the UAE.Methods/DesignIn this study, a multidisciplinary team of researchers was established including credible researchers from the UAE, Lebanon, Australia, and the United Kingdom to launch the First United Arab Emirates 3-year birth cohort study. We aim to recruit 260 pregnant Emirati women within their first trimester, which is defined by the study as from 8 to 12 weeks pregnant, from obstetrics and gynecology clinics in the UAE. Participants will be recruited via face-to-face interviews and will receive a total of 11 visits with 1 visit in each trimester of pregnancy and 8 visits after delivery. Maternal data collection includes, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, maternal psychological state, and blood samples for biochemical analysis. Post-partum, visits will take place when the child is 0.5, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months old, with data collection including infant anthropometric measurements, young child feeding practices, dietary intake, supplement use and the eating environment at home, as well as all maternal data collection described above, apart from blood samples. Additional data collection for the child includes early child developmental assessments taking place at three timepoints: (1) within 2 weeks of birth, (2) at 10–14 months and (3) at 22–26 months of age. Early child developmental assessments for the infant include vision, hearing, cognition, motor skills, social-emotional reactivity, neurodevelopmental, and sleep assessments.DiscussionThe United Arab Emirates Birth Cohort study protocol provides a standardized model of data collection methods for collaboration among the multisectoral teams within the United Arab Emirates to enrich the quality and research efficiency in early nutrition, thereby enhancing the health of mothers, infants, and children.

Placental growth factor level is correlated with intrapartum fetal heart rate findings

ObjectiveHere, we tested the correlation between maternal placental growth factor (PlGF) and fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring findings.MethodsWe included 35 women with single pregnancies from 35 to 42 weeks of gestation who were hospitalized owing to onset of labor. Blood samples were collected at the start of labor. Intrapartum FHR monitoring parameters included total deceleration area, average deceleration area (mean deceleration area per 10 min), and five-tier classification level.ResultsOf the 35 women, 26 (74%) had vaginal delivery and 9 (26%) had cesarean section. After excluding 2 women who had cesarean section for arrest of labor, we analyzed 26 women who had vaginal delivery (VD group) and 7 who had cesarean section for fetal indications (CSF group). PlGF level was significantly higher in the VD group (157 ± 106 pg/ml) than in the CSF group (74 ± 62 pg/ml) (P = 0.03). There were no significant correlations between PlGF and total (r = -0.07) or average (r = -0.08) deceleration area. There was a significant negative correlation (r = -0.42, P = 0.01) between PlGF and the percentage of level 3 or higher in the five-level classification.ConclusionPlGF was correlated with FHR monitoring findings and might be a promising biomarker of intrapartum fetal function.

Maternal age and maternal environment affect egg composition, yolk testosterone, offspring growth and behaviour in laying hens

Maternal effects have been reported to alter offspring phenotype in laying hens. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal environment and maternal age on egg traits and offspring development and behaviour. For this, we ran two experiments. First (E1), commercial hybrid hens were reared either in aviary or barren brooding cages, then housed in aviary, conventional cages or furnished (enriched) cages, thus forming different maternal housing treatments. Hens from each treatment were inseminated at three ages, and measures of egg composition, yolk testosterone concentration and offspring’s development, anxiety and fearfulness were assessed. In experiment 2 (E2), maternal age effects on offspring's growth and behaviour were further investigated using fertile eggs from commercial breeder flocks at three different ages. Results from E1 showed that Old hens laid heavier eggs with less yolk testosterone and produced offspring with fewer indicators of anxiety and fearfulness. Maternal rearing and housing affected egg traits, offspring weight and behaviour, but not in a consistent way. Effects of maternal age were not replicated in E2, possibly due to differences in management or higher tolerance to maternal effects in commercial breeders. Overall, our research confirms that maternal age and maternal environment affects egg composition, with maternal age specifically affecting yolk testosterone concentration, which may mediate physical and behavioural effects in offspring.

Maternal internal migration and child growth and nutritional health in Peru: an analysis of the demographic and health surveys from 1991 to 2017

BackgroundPeru has historically experienced high rural-to-urban migration. Despite large reductions in undernutrition, overweight is increasing. Elsewhere, internal migration has been associated with differences in children’s growth and nutritional health. We investigated how child growth and nutritional status in Peru varied over time and in association with maternal internal migration.MethodsUsing data from Demographic & Health Surveys from 1991 to 2017, we assessed trends in child growth (height-for-age [HAZ], weight-for-age [WAZ], weight-for-height [WHZ] z scores) and nutritional health (stunting, underweight, overweight) by maternal adult internal migration (urban [UNM] or rural non-migrant [RNM], or urban-urban [UUM], rural-urban [RUM], rural-rural [RRM], or urban-rural migrant [URM]). Using 2017 data, we ran regression analyses, adjusting for confounders, to investigate associations of maternal migration with child outcomes and the maternal and child double burden of malnutrition. We further stratified by timing of migration, child timing of birth and, for urban residents, type of area of residence. Results are given as adjusted predictive margins (mean z score or %) and associated regression p-values [p].ResultsIn 1991–2017, child growth improved, and undernutrition decreased, but large differences by maternal migration persisted. In 2017, within urban areas, being the child of a migrant woman was associated with lower WHZ (UUM = 0.6/RUM = 0.5 vs UNM = 0.7; p = 0.009 and p < 0.001 respectively) and overweight prevalence ((RUM 7% vs UNM = 11% [p = 0.002]). Results however varied both by child timing of birth (birth after migration meant greater overweight prevalence) and type of area of residence (better linear growth in children of migrants [vs non-migrants] in capital/large cities and towns but not small cities). In rural areas, compared to RNM, children of URM had higher HAZ (− 1.0 vs − 1.2; p < 0.001) and WAZ (− 0.3 vs − 0.4; p = 0.001) and lower stunting (14% vs 21%; [p < 0.001]). There were no differences by timing of birth in rural children, nor by time since migration across all children. The mother and child double burden of malnutrition was higher in rural than urban areas but no differences were found by maternal internal migration.ConclusionsMigration creates a unique profile of child nutritional health that is not explained by maternal ethnic and early life factors, but which varies depending on the pathway of migration, the child timing of birth in relation to migration and, for urban dwellers, the size of the place of destination. Interventions to improve child nutritional health should take into consideration maternal health and migration history.

The relationship between maternal personal growth during pregnancy and infant neurodevelopment

Optimal adaptation to changes that occur during pregnancy is essential to prevent possible negative effects on maternal psychological health (such as stress or postpartum depression). In fact, an adequate adaptation to the new life situation has implications on the subsequent offspring´s development. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the potential association between levels of personal growth and maternal age during pregnancy with the subsequent cognitive and motor neurodevelopment of the offspring at 6 months of age. Twenty-three pregnant women participated in this longitudinal study. The participants were assessed during the three trimesters of pregnancy using the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (Ryff, 1989). The neonates´ neurodevelopment was assessed using the BSID-III at 6 months of age. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out using maternal growth during pregnancy and gestational age as independent variables, and the levels of cognitive and motor neurodevelopment of the babies at 6 months of age as dependent variables. The results showed that personal growth during pregnancy predicted cognitive neurodevelopment. Personal growth was also positively related with the scalar score of the fine motor subscale. Findings from this study suggest that maternal personal growth during pregnancy is a predictor of the later infants´ neurodevelopment at 6 months of age.

Mediating effect of maternal lipid on the association of maternal thyroid function and fetal growth

Mediating effect of maternal lipid on the association of maternal thyroid function and fetal growth

Maternal Stress and Early Neurodevelopment: Exploring the Protective Role of Maternal Growth Mindset.

The purpose of this study was to test associations between maternal stress, maternal mindset, and infant neurodevelopment at 12 months of age. Specifically, we sought to examine the extent to which maternal growth mindsets may serve to attenuate the negative associations between maternal stress and infants' neurodevelopment. The current exploratory study leverages data from a longitudinal cohort study following mother-infant dyads. Maternal-perceived stress, maternal mindset, and infant electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were collected when infants were 12 months of age. The final analytic sample included 33 dyads. Results revealed no statistically significant main effects of maternal stress or maternal mindset for any of the infant EEG frequency band outcomes. After including interactions between maternal stress and mindset, statistically significant positive interactions were detected for all EEG frequency bands. Simple slope tests revealed significant negative associations between maternal stress and each of the 6 EEG frequency bands for mothers with more fixed-oriented mindsets. Associations between maternal stress and infant EEG outcomes for mothers with more growth-oriented mindsets did not differ from 0. These findings suggest that infants raised by mothers with growth mindsets may be protected against the neurodevelopmental consequences of higher maternal stress.