Preconception Weight Research Articles

Preconceptional maternal weight loss and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), Preeclampsia (PE), Hemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) and chronic hypertension, are leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although the pathophysiology of HDP is complex, preconceptional weight reduction in obese women might reduce these complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of preconceptional weight loss by lifestyle intervention or bariatric surgery in overweight and obese women and the reduction of the risk of HDP. Databases are searched until September 2019 resulting in 2547 articles: 110 full-text analysis and 29 detailed analysis. Reduced risks were shown for HDP in seven articles (n = 4381) of weight loss after lifestyle intervention or bariatric surgery (OR range 0.10-0.64), for PIH in four articles (n = 46,976) (OR range 0.14-0.79), and for PE in seven articles (n = 169,734) (OR range 0.14-0.84). The stratified analysis of weight loss after lifestyle intervention and bariatric surgery shows comparable results. The meta-analysis of 20 studies of the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention and bariatric surgery revealed reduced risks of HDP (OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.32-0.63)), PIH (OR 0.61 (95%CI 0.44-0.85)) and PE (OR 0.67 (95%CI 0.51-0.88)). Preconceptional weight loss after lifestyle intervention or bariatric surgery is effective in reducing risks of HDP, PIH and PE, and emphasizes the need to optimize weight in overweight and obese women with a child wish. More research is recommended to investigate short-term and long-term beneficial and harmful side-effects of these interventions on maternal and offspring health.

Pregnancy-related weight among immigrant and US-born mothers: The role of nativity, maternal duration of residence, and age at arrival.

Objectives:The goals of this study were to examine the associations between nativity and pregnancy-related weight and to assess the associations between maternal duration of residence and age at arrival in the United States on pregnancy-related weight among immigrants.Methods:Using logistic regression and data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort, we assessed differences in preconception weight and gestational weight gain between US-born and immigrant women (N = 7000). We then analyzed differences in both outcomes by duration of residence among immigrants (n = 1850) and examined whether the identified relationships varied by age at arrival in the United States.Results:Compared to US-born mothers, immigrants were less likely to be classified as obese prior to pregnancy (odds ratio 0.435, 95% confidence interval, 0.321–0.590) or experience excessive gestational weight gain (odds ratio 0.757, 95% confidence interval, 0.614–0.978). Among the immigrant sub-sample, living in the United States for 10–15 years (odds ratio 2.737, 95% confidence interval, 1.459–5.134) or 16+ years was positively associated with both preconception obesity (odds ratio 2.918, 95% confidence interval, 1.322–6.439) and excessive gestational weight gain (odds ratio 1.683, 95% confidence interval, 1.012–2.797, 16+ years only). There was some evidence that the duration of residence was positively associated with preconception obesity, but only among women who had moved to the United States at age 18 years and older.Conclusion:In sum, while immigrants are less likely than US-born mothers to experience preconception obesity or excessive gestational weight gain, these outcomes vary among the former group by duration of US residence.

Weight Cycling in Women: Adaptation or Risk?

Obesity, dieting, and weight cycling are common among reproductive-age women. Weight cycling refers to intentional weight loss followed by unintentional weight regain. Weight loss is accompanied by changes in gut peptides, adipose hormones, and energy expenditure that promote weight regain to a tightly regulated set point. While weight loss can improve body composition and surrogate markers of cardiometabolic health, it is hypothesized that the weight regain can result in an overshoot effect, resulting in excess weight gain, altered body composition, and negative effects on surrogate markers of cardiometabolic health. Numerous observational studies have examined the association of weight cycling and health outcomes. There appears to be modest association between weight cycling with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia in women, but no association with hypertension, cardiovascular events, and overall cancer risk. Interestingly, mild weight cycling may be associated with a decreased risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality. Little is known about the effects of weight cycling in the preconception period. Although obesity and weight gain are associated with pregnancy complications, preconception weight loss does not appear to mitigate the risk of most pregnancy complications related to obesity. Research on preconception weight cycling may provide insight into this paradox.

Associations between preconception macronutrient intake and birth weight across strata of maternal BMI.

IntroductionMaternal nutrition during pregnancy is linked with birth outcomes including fetal growth, birth weight, congenital anomalies and long-term health through intra-uterine programming. However, a woman’s nutritional status before pregnancy is a strong determinant in early embryo-placental development, and subsequently outcomes for both mother and child. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary macronutrient intake in the preconception period with birth weight.MethodsWe studied a group of 1698 women from the Dutch Perined-Lifelines linked birth cohort with reliable detailed information on preconception dietary macronutrient intake (using a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire) and data available on birth weight of the offspring. Birth weight was converted into gestational age adjusted z-scores, and macronutrient intake was adjusted for total energy intake using the nutrient residual method. Preconception BMI was converted into cohort-based quintiles. Multivariable linear regression was performed, adjusted for other macronutrients and covariates.ResultsMean maternal age was 29.5 years (SD 3.9), preconception BMI: 24.7 kg/m2 (SD 4.2) and median daily energy intake was 1812 kcal (IQR 1544–2140). Mean birth weight was 3578 grams (SD 472). When adjusted for covariates, a significant association (adjusted z score [95% CI], P) between polysaccharides and birth weight was shown (0.08 [0.01–0.15], 0.03). When linear regression analyses were performed within cohort-based quintiles of maternal BMI, positive significant associations between total protein, animal protein, fat, total carbohydrates, mono-disaccharides and polysaccharides with birth weight were shown in the lowest quintile of BMI independent of energy intake, intake of other macronutrients and covariates.ConclusionOut of all macronutrients studied, polysaccharides showed the strongest association with birth weight, independent of energy intake and other covariates. Our study might suggest that specifically in women with low preconception BMI a larger amount of macronutrient intake was associated with increased birth weight. We recommend that any dietary assessment and advise during preconception should be customized to preconception weight status of the women.

Pregnancy-Related Weight and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Do the Relationships Differ by Race/Ethnicity?

Background: There are significant racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of postpartum depression. Prior research in the general population suggests that weight status is related to depression and that this relationship varies by race/ethnicity. However, few studies have investigated whether race/ethnicity moderates the relationship between pregnancy-related weight and postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS). The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related weight and maternal PPDS overall and by race/ethnicity. Materials and Methods: This study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (n ≈ 6950). Ordinary least-squares and logistic regression was used to examine whether pregnancy-related weight, including preconception weight status and gestational weight gain (GWG), was associated with PPDS measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Stratified analyses were used to assess whether these relationships varied by race/ethnicity. Results: Preconception obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) was associated with higher levels of PPDS (β = 0.601, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.149-1.053). GWG adequacy was not associated with PPDS. Among non-Hispanic (NH) whites, preconception obesity was positively associated with PPDS (β = 1.016, 95% CI, 0.448-1.584). In contrast, among Hispanics, preconception overweight (25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI <30 kg/m2) was associated with lower levels of PPDS (β = -0.887, 95% CI, -1.580 to -0.195). There were no statistically significant relationships between pregnancy-related weight and PPDS among NH black or Asian women, but both groups were significantly more likely than NH whites to report PPDS. Conclusion: Whether and how pregnancy-related weight is associated with PPDS varies by race/ethnicity. Addressing preconception weight could help reduce overall levels of PPDS among NH whites but would likely fail to mitigate racial/ethnic disparities in postpartum mental health.

Barriers to and facilitators for addressing overweight and obesity before conception: A qualitative study

BackgroundObesity is a significant global health issue, especially for reproductive-aged women. Women who enter pregnancy overweight or obese are at increased risk of a range of adverse reproductive, maternal, and child health outcomes. The preconception period has been recognised as a critical time to intervene to improve health outcomes for women and their children. Despite this recognition, adequate information is significantly lacking in relation to women’s health experiences, behaviours, and information preferences to inform the development of high-quality preconception intervention strategies. AimThis study aimed to examine women’s perspectives of barriers, enablers, and strategies for addressing overweight and obesity before conception. MethodUsing a qualitative research design, twelve multiparous women, aged between 32 and 43 years, who considered themselves to be overweight or obese were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. FindingsThree themes were identified in relation to barriers: lack of information and knowledge, time constraints, and affordability. The following four themes emerged with respect to enablers and strategies: knowledge provision, accountability and motivation, regular contact, and habit formation. ConclusionKey factors to incorporate in women-centred interventions for preconception weight loss include multi-faceted knowledge provision and practical affordable methods for supporting healthy behaviours. Interventions should integrate techniques for ensuring regular contact with support networks, to enhance accountability, motivation, and facilitate habit formation. Further research is now being conducted by our team to co-design interventions and strategies informed by these findings.

A Retrospective Study Examining Phentermine on Preconception Weight Loss and Pregnancy Outcomes

Objective: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for infertility. However, the use of weight loss medications prior to conception is underutilized. The objectives of our study are to describe weight loss, pregnancy rates, and live birth rates after short-term phentermine use in women with obesity and infertility.Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 55 women (18 to 45 years old) who were overweight or obese, diagnosed with infertility, and prescribed phentermine for weight loss in an ambulatory endocrinology clinic at a single, tertiary level academic medical center. Main outcome measures were mean percent weight change at 3 months after starting phentermine, and pregnancy, and live birth rates from start of phentermine to June 30, 2017.Results: Median duration of phentermine use was 70 days (Q1, Q3 [33, 129]). Mean ± SD percent weight change at 3 months after starting phentermine was -5.3 ± 4.1% (P<.001). The pregnancy rate was 60% and the live birth rate was 49%. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates (52% versus 68%; P = .23) or live birth rates (44% versus 54%; P = .50) in women who lost ≥5% versus <5% of their baseline weight. The number of metabolic comorbidities was negatively associated with the pregnancy rate. Phentermine was generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.Conclusion: Phentermine can produce clinically significant weight loss in women with obesity during the preconception period. Higher pregnancy or live birth rates were not observed with a greater degree of weight loss with phentermine.

Management of prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum obesity from the FIGO Pregnancy and Non‐Communicable Diseases Committee: A FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) guideline

Management of prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum obesity from the FIGO Pregnancy and Non‐Communicable Diseases Committee: A FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) guideline

Evaluation of Key Health Indicators of Pregnant Women Enrolled in Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Food Program

Describe the pre-conception weight status, weight gain during pregnancy, and inter-pregnancy intervals of pregnant women participating in the WIC program.

Differential Effects of Post-Weaning Diet and Maternal Obesity on Mouse Liver and Brain Metabolomes.

Nutritional changes during developmental windows are of particular concern in offspring metabolic disease. Questions are emerging concerning the role of maternal weight changes before conception, particularly for weight loss, in the development of diet-related disorders. Understanding the physiological pathways affected by the maternal trajectories in the offspring is therefore essential, but a broad overview is still lacking. We recently reported both metabolic and behavioral negative outcomes in offspring born to obese or weight-loss mothers and fed a control of high-fat diet, suggesting long-term modeling of metabolic pathways needing to be further characterized. Using non-targeted LC–HRMS, we investigated the impact of maternal and post-weaning metabolic status on the adult male offspring’s metabolome in three tissues involved in energy homeostasis: liver, hypothalamus and olfactory bulb. We showed that post-weaning diet interfered with the abundance of several metabolites, including 1,5-anhydroglucitol, saccharopine and β-hydroxybutyrate, differential in the three tissues. Moreover, maternal diet had a unique impact on the abundance of two metabolites in the liver. Particularly, anserine abundance, lowered by maternal obesity, was normalized by a preconceptional weight loss, whatever the post-weaning diet. This study is the first to identify a programming long-term effect of maternal preconception obesity on the offspring metabolome.

MON-LB8 A Preconception Lifestyle Intervention Maintained Throughout Pregnancy Improves Some Gestational and Neonatal Outcomes in Women With Obesity and Infertility

Background: Obesity in women of childbearing age is associated with infertility and increases significantly the risks of many pregnancy and neonatal complications. Adopting a healthy lifestyle prior conception and maintaining it during pregnancy may reduce these complications. Our aim was therefore to determine whether a lifestyle program targeting women with obesity and infertility and maintained during pregnancy improves gestational and neonatal outcomes. Methods: We report on 46 women who became pregnant and had available outcome data during pregnancy and at birth, among 127 women with infertility and obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥30 kg/m²), or overweight with PCOS (BMI ≥27 kg/m²), who were enrolled in a lifestyle randomized-controlled trial. Participants were randomized to the control group (CG, n=20), who received standard of care, or the lifestyle group (LSG, n=26), who followed a lifestyle program alone for 6 months, and then in combination with usual fertility care for 18 months or until the end of pregnancy. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were retrospectively retrieved from mothers’ and newborns’ medical records. Results: At enrollment, both groups were similar for age (29.3 vs 31.0 years), BMI (38.7 vs 38.4 kg/m2) and waist circumference (113.7 vs 112.7 cm). Preconception weight loss was significantly higher in the LSG compared to the CG (4.86 kg vs 1.21 kg, p=0.013), but gestational weight gains were similar (+10.83 vs +10.52 kg, p=0.987). During pregnancy, groups did not differ for the rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or other clinical outcomes, but significantly less women in the LSG required insulin for treatment of their gestational diabetes (12.5% vs 42.1%, p=0.027) as well as urgent cesarean section due to failure of vaginal delivery (0.0% vs 21.1%, p=0.021). Regarding neonatal outcomes, there was no significant difference between groups for gestational age, weight at birth and head circumference, as well as rates of prematurity, LGA, SGA, birth defects or other clinical outcomes, but babies from the LSG displayed significantly lower tricipital skinfolds (4.73 mm vs 5.72 mm, p=0.031) and trends for lower sum of four skinfolds (16.61 mm vs 19.06 mm, p=0.056) and increased length at birth (50.82 cm vs 49.63 cm, p=0,053). Conclusion: In women with obesity and infertility, our lifestyle program initiated prior to fertility treatments and maintained throughout pregnancy improved their preconception weight and lifestyle, but not their gestational weight gain. Such intervention was nonetheless effective to reduce significantly some clinically relevant pregnancy and neonatal complications. If these results are replicated in a larger sample, it would strongly suggest that women with obesity should be supported to adopt a healthy lifestyle prior conception in order to increase their likelihood of giving birth to a healthy baby.

Are pre-pregnancy weight fluctuations and adherence to prenatal nutrition and exercise recommendations related to excessive gestational weight gain?

Women who have an overweight or obese pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) may be recommended to lose weight before pregnancy, however the association of preconception weight fluctuations and prenatal adherence to nutrition and exercise recommendations with gestational weight gain (GWG) have not been assessed. One hundred women with a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25.0kg/m2 who participated in the Nutrition and Exercise Lifestyle Intervention Program (NELIP) were included and stratified as gained weight excessively (n = 47) or not (n = 53) using the 2009 Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines. Participants completed a Weight Health History Questionnaire providing information about weight loss prior to the index pregnancy. Adherence was scored based on meeting six nutrition and exercise goals for the NELIP (/6). More women who gained excessively reported that they had actively tried to lose weight a year before the current pregnancy (61%) than women who did not gain excessively (39%; p = 0.02). Of the women attempting preconception weight loss, those who gained excessively lost more weight (6.7 ± 10.2kg) than women who did not (2.1 ± 3.8kg; p = 0.003). Adherence to the NELIP was lower among women who gained excessively (3.3 ± 0.8; 55%) than those who did not (4.4 ± 0.9;73%; p < 0.001). Program adherence (p < 0.001) was related to excessive GWG.

Pregnancy-Related Weight and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: Do the Relationships Differ by Race/Ethnicity? [31E

INTRODUCTION: There are significant racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence of postpartum depression. Prior research suggests that the relationships between weight status and depression may vary by race/ethnicity among the general population. However, few studies have investigated whether race/ethnicity moderates the relationships between pregnancy-related weight and postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS). This study examines the relationships between pregnancy-related weight and maternal PPDS overall and by race/ethnicity. METHODS: This study used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (N≈6950). Ordinary least squares and logistic regression were used to examine whether pregnancy-related weight, including preconception obesity and gestational weight gain, were associated with PPDS. Stratified analyses were used to assess whether these relationships varied by race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Preconception obesity was associated with higher levels of postpartum depressive symptoms (β=1.208, 95% CI 0.995–1.467). In contrast, gestational weight gain adequacy was not associated with PPDS. Among non-Hispanic (NH) whites, preconception obesity was positively associated with PPDS (β=1.016, 95% CI 0.448–1.584). In contrast, among Hispanics, preconception overweight was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms (β=-0.887, 95% CI -1.580 to -0.195). There were no statistically significant relationships between pregnancy-related weight and PPDS among NH black or Asian women. However, both NH blacks and Asians were significantly more likely to report PPDS compared to NH whites. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy-related weight is associated with higher levels of PPDS, but only among NH white women. Addressing preconception weight could help to reduce overall levels of PPDS but doing so might not mitigate racial/ethnic disparities in postpartum mental health.

Obesity in Early Pregnancy Has a Stronger Association to Pre-eclampsia and Diabetes Than Weight Gain [28D

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the association of obesity in early gestation and weight gain during pregnancy to pre-eclampsia, pre-gestational and gestational diabetes rates. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at our center from January 2013 to December 2015. Women with singleton pregnancies, who started prenatal care at less than 20 weeks, and who completed delivery at our center were included. The primary outcome was pre-eclampsia. Secondary outcomes were pre-gestational (PGDM) and gestational diabetes (GDM). Body mass index (BMI) was taken from the initial OB visit and stratified into five different categories: 18–24.9, 25–29.9, 30.0–34.9, 35.0–39.9, and ≥40 kg/m2. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Weight gain was stratified into four different categories: &lt;5, 5–10, 11–15, &gt;15 kg. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test for group comparisons. A P-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 687 women met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. There was a direct relationship between pre-eclampsia and increasing BMI (9.25%, 10.61%, 15.58%, 15.79%, 20.0%, P=.0795). When BMI was divided into non-obese (&lt;30) versus obese (≥30), there was a significant association with pre-eclampsia (P=.0127). There was a significant association with PGDM as BMI increased (P&lt;.0001); as well as a trend to higher rates of GDM. There was no association between pre-eclampsia and weight gained during pregnancy (P=.912). CONCLUSION: Obesity appears to be more important than weight gained during pregnancy in the development of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. This highlights the importance of pre-conception weight reduction and optimization for the prevention of morbidity in pregnancy.

The association between pre-conception intuitive eating and gestational weight gain.

To determine if pre-conception intuitive eating, an adaptive eating behavior, was related to gestational weight gain (GWG)and the likelihood of exceeding GWG recommendations. This prospective survey study took place in an outpatient obstetric clinic. Participants completed the pre-conception Intuitive Eating Scale for Pregnancy during a prenatal check-up appointment and total GWG was collected from the medical record. The pre-conception Intuitive Eating Scale for Pregnancy assesses unconditional permission to eat, eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, and reliance on hunger and satiety to inform what, when, and how much to eat. Hierarchical linear multiple regression and logistic multiple regression analyses determined associations between pre-conception intuitive eating and GWG on the total sample and stratified by weight status (normal/underweight, overweight, and obese). The majority of the sample (n = 253) was white, married, employed, had annual household income > $50,000, and had a college degree. No aspects of pre-conception intuitive eating predicted the likelihood of excess GWG. However, in the total sample, unconditional permission to eat (subscale) was inversely related to total GWG (B = -0.16, p < 0.05). Among women with obesity (n = 36), eating for physical rather than emotional reasons (subscale) was inversely related to total GWG (B = -0.47, p < 0.05). Some aspects of intuitive eating during the pre-conception period were related to total GWG, particularly for women with obesity. However, intuitive eating scores did not increase or decrease the likelihood of excess GWG. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms for this association before clinical recommendations can be made. Level III (Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies).

Elucidating the role of overweight and obesity in racial and ethnic disparities in cesarean delivery risk

PurposeWe aimed to quantify the extent to which overweight and obesity explain cesarean delivery risk among women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. MethodsUsing administrative records for 216,481 singleton, nulliparous births in New York City from 2008 to 2013, we calculated risk ratios, risk differences, and population attributable fractions for associations between body mass index (BMI) and cesarean, stratified by race and ethnicity. ResultsThe population attributable fraction (95% confidence interval) for BMI was 6.8% (6.2%–7.3%) among Asian, 10.9% (10.4%–11.4%) among White, 14.6% (13.7%–15.5%) among Hispanic, and 17.4% (16.2%–18.6%) among Black women. Although overweight and obesity were most prevalent among Black and Hispanic women, the risk gradient was strongest among Whites (adjusted risk ratio [95% CI] from 1.37 [1.33–1.41] for overweight to 2.23 [2.07–2.39] for class III obesity). Additional adjustment for gestational complications partially attenuated associations, and accounting for delivery hospital eliminated the stronger gradient among White women. ConclusionsPrepregnancy overweight and obesity contribute proportionally more to cesarean risk among Black and Hispanic women because of higher prevalence compared to White or Asian women. Although preconception weight management is important to decrease cesarean risk, results encourage attention to clinical approaches in low-risk pregnancies to mitigate racial and ethnic perinatal disparities.

Association of Cord Blood Zinc Level and Birth Weight in a Sample of Iranian Neonates.

Background:In addition to its short-term effects, low birth weight increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in adult life. The quality of maternal diet including the macronutrient intake is very important in this regard. This study aims to evaluate the possible associations between maternal zinc and neonatal anthropometric measures.Method:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 226 pairs of mothers-neonates in Isfahan, Iran. Maternal characteristics including the history of the disease, age, preconceptional weight, weight gain during pregnancy, as well as, anthropometric characteristics of neonates such as weight, height, length, and circumferences of head, belly, chest, and thigh were documented. Cord blood zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in three groups of neonates depending on their weights.Results:The gestational age of neonates was 35 to 38 weeks with a mean weight of 3.13 ± 0.42 kg. The mean of zinc concentration was 0.81 ± 0.18 and it was higher in neonates with appropriate weight than in those with high or low birth weight (0.82 ± 0.18, 0.75 ± 0.19, and 0.65 ± 0.12 ng/ml, respectively). Bivariate correlation analysis showed significant weak correlation between cord blood zinc and neonatal weight (r = 0.16, P = 0.04).Conclusions:The cord blood zinc concentration of normal-weight neonates was higher than others. Our findings suggest that maternal zinc may influence neonatal birth weight, and it should be considered in the primordial prevention of NCDs.

Collateral Damage: Maternal Obesity During Pregnancy Continues to Rise.

The pandemic of obesity during pregnancy now afflicts 1 out of every 2 pregnant women in the United States. Even though unintended pregnancy has decreased to 45% of all pregnancies, 50% of those unintended pregnancies occur in obese women. This study aims to identify why current lifestyle interventions for obese pregnancy are not effective and what the newer complications are for obesity during pregnancy. Available literatures on current treatments for maternal obesity were reviewed for effectiveness. Emerging maternal and infant complications from obesity during pregnancy were examined for significance. Limitations in successful interventions fell into 3 basic categories to include the following: (1) preconception weight loss; (2) bariatric surgery before pregnancy; and (3) prevention of excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy. Emerging significant physiological changes from maternal obesity is composed of inflammation (placenta and human milk), metabolism (hormones, microbiome, fatty acids), and offspring outcomes (body composition, congenital malformations, chronic kidney disease, asthma, neurodevelopment, and behavior). Are current prepregnancy lifestyle and behavioral interventions feasible to prevent maternal obesity complications? Epigenetic and metabolomic research will be critical to determine what is needed to blunt the effects of maternal obesity and to discover successful treatment.

Co-designing preconception and pregnancy care for healthy maternal lifestyles and obesity prevention

ProblemA recognised gap exists between current and recommended practices in the provision of lifestyle advice and weight management support for women across preconception and pregnancy care. BackgroundPreconception and pregnancy are critical stages for promoting healthy maternal lifestyles and obesity prevention. Co-design is a novel approach with the potential to strengthen existing models of care to facilitate the implementation of clinical practice guidelines promoting preconception and pregnancy health, especially in relation to preconception weight management and preventing excessive gestational weight gain. Aim and methodsThe aims of this discussion paper are to (i) define co-design in the context of preconception and pregnancy care, (ii) outline key considerations when planning co-design initiatives and (iii) describe co-design opportunities in preconception and pregnancy care for promoting women’s health and obesity prevention. DiscussionWhile several definitions of co-design exist, one critical element is the meaningful involvement of all key stakeholders. In this discussion, we specifically identified the involvement of women and expanding the role of practice nurses in primary care may assist to overcome barriers to the provision of healthy lifestyle advice and support for women during preconception. Co-designing pregnancy care will involve input from women, nurses, midwives, obstetricians, allied health and administration and management staff. Additional attention is required to co-design care for women considered most at-risk. ConclusionThere is potential to enhance current provision of preconception and pregnancy care using co-design. Nursing and midwifery professions are active across both preconception and pregnancy and therefore, they have an important role to play.

Effect of Maternal Obesity and Preconceptional Weight Loss on Male and Female Offspring Metabolism and Olfactory Performance in Mice.

According to the “developmental origins of health and disease” (DOHaD) concept, maternal obesity predisposes the offspring to non-communicable diseases in adulthood. While a preconceptional weight loss (WL) is recommended for obese women, its benefits on the offspring have been poorly addressed. We evaluated whether preconceptional WL was able to reverse the adverse effects of maternal obesity in a mouse model, exhibiting a modification of foetal growth and of the expression of genes encoding epigenetic modifiers in liver and placenta. We tracked metabolic and olfactory behavioural trajectories of offspring born to control, obese or WL mothers. After weaning, the offspring were either put on a control diet (CD) or a high-fat (HFD). After only few weeks of HFD, the offspring developed obesity, metabolic alterations and olfactory impairments, independently of maternal context. However, male offspring born to obese mother gained even more weight under HFD than their counterparts born to lean mothers. Preconceptional WL normalized the offspring metabolic phenotypes but had unexpected effects on olfactory performance: a reduction in olfactory sensitivity, along with a lack of fasting-induced, olfactory-based motivation. Our results confirm the benefits of maternal preconceptional WL for male offspring metabolic health but highlight some possible adverse outcomes on olfactory-based behaviours.