Pregnant Women In Different Trimesters Research Articles

6621 Iodine Nutritional Status in Different Trimesters of Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study in Taiwan

Abstract Disclosure: L. Pan: None. C. Yeh: None. C. Yang: None. C. Hwu: None. H. Chen: None. F. Wang: None. C. Huang: None. Pregnant women are susceptible to iodine deficiency. Iodine nutritional studies in pregnant women were mostly cross sectional evaluations of iodine status. This prospective observational study was designed to longitudinally follow the iodine status of pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy and to assess the clinical parameters and dietary influences on iodine status. A total of 209 pregnant women in their first trimester were enrolled in Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan from March 2019 to March 2023. Subjects provided a spot urine sample and completed a food frequency questionnaire at each trimester. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median UIC for the first, second and third trimester was 156.3 μg/L (Interquartile range [IQR]: 100.7-241.1), 146.2 μg/L (84.6-224.4), and 169.9 μg/L (94.4-283.5), respectively. Mild iodine deficiency was observed in the second trimester despite adequate iodine status in the first and third trimesters. Compared to the first trimester, intake of seaweed (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively), fish (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), and prenatal multivitamins (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) increased in the second and third trimesters. A gradual increment in dairy product intake was also noted between each trimesters through pregnancy (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated a positive association between multiparity and increased UIC in the second trimesters (multiparity vs. uniparity; adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.273, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.202-4.310). Additionally, increased prenatal multivitamin intake elevated the odds of adequate UIC in the third trimester (≥ 3 days/week vs. ≤ 1 day/week; adjusted OR: 2.890, 95% CI: 1.351-6.173). This study revealed the longitudinal changes in iodine status during pregnancy and suggested that women who regularly took prenatal multivitamins and were multiparous were more likely to have adequate iodine nutrition. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Pandemic fear and psychological resilience in pregnant women after the pandemic - a study in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of pandemic-related fear, depression, stress and anxiety in pregnant women in different trimesters after the pandemic and to examine their relationship with psychological resilience.Methods:A total of 250 women were included in the study, including 125 pregnant women and 125 healthy controls. The participants were divided into three groups according to their trimester of pregnancy. The Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), the Epidemic Disease Anxiety Scale (EDAS) and the Short Psychological Resilience Scale (SPRS) were used to measure depression, anxiety, stress and psychological resilience.Results:Pregnant women had significantly higher DASS-21 total scores [19 (4-42) ] than healthy controls [11 (1-42) ], P = 0.001. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 23.2%, 44% and 20% respectively in pregnant women compared to 12.8%, 31.2% and 9.6% in healthy controls. DASS-21 total scores were highest in the 1st(21.2 ± 5.8) and 3rd(22.8 ± 8.9) trimesters and lowest in the 2nd(16.1 ± 6.9) trimesters. The DASS-21 total score was positively correlated with the EDAS total score and the pandemic perception subscale. SPRS total score was negatively correlated with anxiety, stress and DASS-21 total score.Conclusion:Pregnant women experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and pandemic anxiety than non-pregnant women in the post-pandemic period. Psychological resilience was negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women. These findings indicate that the pandemic negatively affects the mental health of pregnant women and the importance of providing psychological support services to protect their mental health.

Calorie Intake of Pregnant Women in Different Trimesters and Its Impact on Maternal Weight and Newborn Weight

During pregnancy, increase energy demands for metabolism and intrauterine growth, these challenges for pregnant mothers to intake adequate calorie. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to evaluate the calorie intake of pregnant women in different trimesters and its impact on maternal weight and birth weight. This study period was three years duration from January 2019 to December 2021. A pretested, semi-structured, standard questionnaire and randomized sampling technique was used to collect the data, the number of calculated sample size was 407. Study found that average age of the pregnant mothers was 26.063.08 years and average monthly income was 18527.40 5801.44 BDT. Study revealed that average calorie intake of pregnant mothers of 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester were 1779.6596.88, 1986.6069.60 and 2179.6577.47, whereas average weight gain of pregnant mothers of 1st trimester was 0.520.60 Kg, 2nd trimester was 3.231.29 Kg and 3rd trimester was 7.362.50 Kg. It was observed that 0.50% of the pregnant mothers’delivered low birth weight baby and 99.50% normal weight baby with their average birth weight was 3.040.30 Kg. Calorie intake and body weight gain of different trimesters of pregnant mothers positively correlate with birth weight. Calorie intake influenced maternal weight and newborn weight.

Immunological Status of Pregnant Women in Different Trimesters

Immunological Status of Pregnant Women in Different Trimesters

Trimester-specific reference intervals and profile of coagulation parameters for Chinese pregnant women with diverse demographics and obstetric history: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOwing to the changes in childbirth policy in China, this work aimed to update the trimester-specific reference intervals (RIs) for Chinese pregnant women with diverse demographics and obstetric history. This study also investigated how advanced maternal age (AMA) (> 35 years old), gravity, and parity influence gestational coagulation parameters.MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional study, five coagulation parameters were measured using assays provided by Roche diagnostics on Cobas t 711: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fib), and D-dimer, and the trimester-specific 2.5th -97.5th and 95th (D-dimer only) percentiles RIs were established accordingly. Linear regressions were undertaken to analyze the association with demographic characteristics and obstetric history for each parameter.Results893 eligible pregnant women in different trimesters and at AMA/non-AMA and 275 non-pregnant healthy women were enrolled. For the first, second, and third trimester, respectively, RIs were as follows: APTT (s): 24.8–35.7, 24.6–34.1, and 23.5–34.7; TT (s): 14.4–17.3, 14.1–16.7, and 14.2–17.5; PT (s): 8.30–10.20, 8.00-9.77, and 7.92–9.57; PT-INR: 0.86–1.06, 0.83–1.02, and 0.82–0.98; Fib (g/L): 2.76–4.97, 3.14–5.31, and 3.44–5.93; D-dimer (µg/ml): 0-0.969, 0-2.14, and 0-3.28. No statistically significant differences were observed in TT, D-dimer, and APTT between the AMA and non-AMA women, while PT and PT-INR were shorter and Fib was higher in the AMA group. The association of gravidity and parity with each coagulation parameter is statistically significant (p < 0.05). PT and PT-INR were shortened and D-dimer decreased as gravidity increased. Longer PT and PT-INR, shorter APPT, higher D-Dimer, and lower Fib were associated with increasing parity.ConclusionsThis work updated the gestational coagulation profiles of Chinese pregnant women and established trimester-specific RIs accordingly. Establishing specific RIs based on AMA, parity, and gravidity might not be necessary.

Attitudes and practices of exercise among pregnant mothers in Singapore.

There is increasing evidence demonstrating the safety and benefits of physical activity (PA) in uncomplicated pregnancies. Literature has shown that pregnant women around the world do not engage in adequate exercise. This study aims to assess the current practices of exercise among pregnant women in Singapore, determine the proportion of women meeting different PA targets and evaluate the factors influencing the practice of exercise. In this cross-sectional study, pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy from KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Singapore General Hospital were surveyed. Information regarding patient demographics, attitudes and perceptions of exercise, and practice of exercise was collected. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the amount of PA. A total of 201 pregnant women aged 20-44 years were surveyed. Almost all (99.0%) participants thought that exercise was beneficial in pregnancy. Only 31.6% of them engaged in any moderate or vigorous leisure-time PA (LTPA) and they were active for a median of 120 min/week. Only 12.6% of the pregnant women met the national recommendations of at least 150 min of moderate exercise per week. The amount of total PA performed was lower among women in later trimesters of pregnancy and higher among working mothers. Although most Singaporean pregnant women perceived exercise as beneficial, the majority did not engage in PA. Most of the participants did not meet the international PA targets and recently published national guidelines. More can be done to promote the uptake of exercise in pregnancy and optimise metabolic management of pregnant women in Singapore.

Analysis of online antenatal education class use via a mobile terminal app during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveTo understand the use of online antenatal education classes accessed via the Mother and Child Health Handbook app during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide a basis and suggestions for optimizing Internet education during pregnancy under public health emergencies.MethodsWe compared and analyzed the use of online antenatal education classes via the Mother and Child Health Handbook app in Hangzhou in 2019 and 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic).ResultsBetween January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, a total of 229,794 pregnant women created files and registered for the app, including 124,273 women in 2019 and 105,521 women in 2020. More pregnant women participated in online antenatal education learning (n = 36,379/34.5% vs. 29,226/23.5%, p = 0.000) in 2020 than in 2019. The proportion of pregnant women in the 18–34-year-old group who participated in online learning was higher than that in the advanced age group, and the difference was statistically significant (2019: 24.3% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.000) (2020: 35.7% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.000). More pregnant women accessed online antenatal education during early pregnancy (n = 13,463/37.0% vs. 9088/31.1%, p = 0.000) in 2020 than in 2019. Similar percentages of pregnant women participated in online antenatal education during mid-pregnancy (n = 15,426/52.8% vs. 19,269/53.0%, p = 0.639) in 2019 and 2020. Fewer pregnant women accessed online antenatal education during late pregnancy (n = 10,246/28.2% vs. 9476/32.4%, p = 0.000) in 2020 than in 2019. Fewer pregnant women choose to take 'Puerperal Health' courses in 2020 than in 2019 (early pregnancy: 36.20% vs. 42.79%, p = 0.000; mid-pregnancy: 41.65% vs. 48.19%, p = 0.000; late pregnancy: 55.31% vs. 58.41%, p = 0.000). Fewer pregnant women choose to take 'Psychological Adjustment' courses in 2020 than in 2019 (early pregnancy: 21.59% vs. 29.60%, p = 0.000; mid-pregnancy: 26.20% vs. 40.50%, p = 0.000; late pregnancy: 12.79% vs. 42.53%, p = 0.000). More pregnant women choose to study 'Nutrition and Exercise' in 2020 than in 2019 (early pregnancy: 44.48% vs. 25.95%, p = 0.000; mid-pregnancy: 47.77% vs. 40.75%, p = 0.000; late pregnancy: 55.94% vs. 42.99%, p = 0.000). “Pregnancy Care and Fetal Development” was the most selected course by pregnant women in early pregnancy (2019: 67.50%; 2020: 71.39%) and middle pregnancy (2019: 67.01%; 2020: 82.05%), and the proportion in 2020 was higher than it was in 2019. “Baby care” was the most selected course by pregnant women in late pregnancy, and the proportion in 2020 was higher than it was in 2019 (78.31% vs. 72.85%).ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, online antenatal education was well-used by pregnant women. More women participated in the online antenatal education modules during the COVID-19 pandemic than during 2019.The proportion of choosing different courses for pregnant women before and after the COVID-19 epidemic varied, and the learning course needs of pregnant women in different trimesters were different.

Serum cytokine profile of pregnant women with malaria, intestinal helminths and HIV infections in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Malaria, helminthiasis and HIV are widespread in developing countries taking a heavy toll on pregnant women. Due to similar environmental and human factors of transmission, they co-exist. The epidemiology and pathology of these diseases have been extensively studied but data on serum cytokine profile changes which is crucial in pregnancy is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the co-infections and their impact on peripheral blood cytokines. Blood and stool samples were collected from recruited 18-45-year-old pregnant women in different trimesters who were apparently healthy with no obvious complications in pregnancy. Pretested questionnaires were administered for personal and socio-demographic details. Malaria parasitemia in Giemsa-stained thick blood films was examined microscopically. Stool samples were screened for helminths using Kato-Katz method. Cytokine levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13 and IL-17 in 121 serum samples were determined using ELISA. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test at α0.05. Relative to the single infections, there were significant reductions in IFN-γ and IL-13 in second and third trimesters respectively in those with Plasmodium and helminth co-infection. IFN-γ and IL-17 were elevated while IL-1α and IL-12p70 were reduced in co-infection of helminths and HIV. Co-infection of Plasmodium and HIV in second and third trimesters showed significant elevations in IL-1α, IL-10 and IL-17 while TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-12p70 were significantly reduced. HIV in pregnancy and its co-infection with Plasmodium resulted in significant distortions in the cytokine profile. However, helminth and its co-infection with Plasmodium or HIV produced less changes in the cytokine profile.

The level of alkaline phosphatase activity and the content of calcium and phosphorus ions in the blood of pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy

Calcium-phosphorus exchange is an important part of the metabolism in the human body, which primarily ensures the mineralization processes of hard tissues, including teeth, which is a prerequisite for their resistance to the carious process. The aim of the study was to establish the dynamics of changes in the indicators of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the blood of pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy. An examination and laboratory tests of the blood of 210 pregnant women aged 18 to 36 years were carried out, in which the level of calcium ions, the content of magnesium, phosphate ions and the activity of alkaline phosphatase were determined in the I, II and III trimesters of pregnancy. The degree of probability of the obtained results was statistically assessed. The results of the study indicate an increasing deficit of Ca ion content with increasing gestational age, namely: by 3.33% in the second trimester and by 5.98% in the third trimester compared to the first trimester. The level of phosphate ions was within normal limits and tended to increase in the second trimester of pregnancy by 11.88% with a subsequent decrease in the third trimester by 7.62%. The content of Mg is low and in some places borders on the lower limit of the norm, which indicates the insufficient supply of it to the body of pregnant women. The level of LF enzyme activity in the blood of pregnant women also decreased with each trimester of pregnancy. A strong positive correlation was established between the level of LF activity and the content of Mg in the blood of women throughout pregnancy, namely: I trimester ‒ r=0.75, p&lt;0.05; II trimester ‒ r=0.78, p&lt;0.05; III trimester ‒ r=0.81, p&lt;0.05. Positive correlations of moderate and medium strength were also observed between the level of LF activity and the content of phosphate ions in the blood of pregnant women in the I trimester of pregnancy (r=0.62, p&lt;0.05) and the III trimester ‒ (r=0, 44, p&lt;0.05), which is quite understandable, since the direct result of the enzyme's work is the formation of available phosphate ions, which are subsequently incorporated into the structure of hydroxyapatites. As a result of the conducted research, it was determined that the II trimester of pregnancy is the most vulnerable, which is characterized by changes in all indicators of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and a break in most of the interdependencies between them, which, in turn, indicates the restructuring of metabolic processes in the body of a pregnant woman. Keywords: pregnancy, calcium-phosphorus exchange, alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization of hard tooth tissues.

Prevalence and changes of anemia among young children and women in 47 low- and middle-income countries, 2000-2018.

BackgroundAnemia remains a major public health issue, particularly for children and women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the current prevalence and recent changes of anemia among young children and women of reproductive age, particularly for pregnant women in different trimesters are unclear. We examined the current prevalence of anemia among children aged less than 5 years by age (6-35 months vs. 36-59 months) and women of reproductive age by pregnant status (pregnant vs. non-pregnant) and trimesters (the third vs. the second vs. the first trimester) between 2010 and 2018 and further examined changes in the prevalence from 2000-2009 to 2010-2018.MethodsData were from the cross-sectional Demographic and Health Surveys performed between 2000 and 2018. A total of 47 countries were included to examine the current prevalence of anemia (weighted prevalence and 95% confidence interval [CI]) among young children aged less than 5 years (N = 459,785) and 46 countries among women of reproductive age (N = 1,079,805) between 2010 and 2018. To examine changes in the prevalence of anemia, a total of 29 countries with at least two Demographic and Health Surveys performed between 2000 and 2009 (children: N = 130,772; women: N = 371,845) and 2010-2018 (children: N = 386,202; women: N = 928,889) were included. Modified Poisson regression analyses with robust error variance were used to examine changes in anemia between 2000-2009 and 2010-2018 in participants by child age (6-5 months vs. 36-59 months), women pregnant status (pregnant vs. non-pregnant), trimesters (the second or third trimester vs. the first trimester) with the adjustment for potential covariates.FindingsIn 47 LMICs for children aged less than 5 years between 2010 and 2018, the total prevalence of anemia was 56.5% (95% CI 56.2, 56.8). Younger children aged 6-35 months were more likely to have anemia than older children aged 36-59 months (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% CI 1.36-1.39, P < 0.001). In 46 LMICs for women of reproductive age, the total prevalence was 40.4% (95% CI 40.1, 40.7). Pregnant women were more likely to have anemia than non-pregnant women (adjusted OR 1.14, 1.12-1.16, P < 0.001). Moreover, pregnant women in the third trimester (adjusted OR 1.55, 1.48-1.62, P < 0.001) and the second trimester (adjusted OR 1.51, 1.45-1.58, P < 0.001) were more likely to have anemia than those in the first trimester. Among 29 included countries, although there was a decreasing change (absolute change, relative change, and average annual rate of reduction) in young children and women between 2000-2009 and 2010-2018 in a majority of countries, the current prevalence of anemia remained at a high level.InterpretationThe prevalence of anemia among children aged less than 5 years and women of reproductive age was still high in LMICs, particularly for younger children and pregnant women. The relative change among women of reproductive age was far away from the WHO goal of reduction of anemia by 50% by 2025 (i.e., prevalence reduction to about 15.2% by 2025 from 30.3% at 2012 baseline). Continued and effective efforts, particularly for high-risk populations, are needed to improve the general health of the population.FundingInnovation Team of “Climbing” Program of Shandong University, and the Youth Team of Humanistic and Social Science of Shandong University (20820IFYT1902)

Determination of Level of Serum Iron among Routine Iron Supplemented Pregnant Women Attending Private Clinic in Sulaimani City, Kurdistan-Iraq

Iron deficiency, with or without anemia, is common in pregnant women and more than half of the anemia’s in the world are due to the deficiency of iron in the serum. The aims of this study were to determine the percentage and level of serum iron among iron supplemented pregnant women in different trimesters and in different age groups among supplemented pregnant women in Sulaimani city. This study was carried out in the private clinic in the Sulaimani city-Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The pregnant women were participated and enrolled between the first of December 2018 and first of December 2019. Two hundred and seventy-five healthy and iron supplemented pregnant women were selected randomly and the questionnaire form, which contains information about age of mothers and their gestational age, was filled and serum iron level was measured by COBAS C111 analyzer. The results of this study found that the percentage of iron deficiency among participants was high 33%, 45%, and 52.6 % in the first trimester in different age groups &lt;25, 25–35, and above 35 years old, respectively. However, in the third trimesters decreased to 12.5%, 7.1%, and 3.7% in &lt;25, 25–35, and above 35 years old, respectively. Regarding serum iron levels, the present study found that there were significant differences between ages 25 and 35 with age &lt;25 years. However, there was no significant difference between first, second, and third trimesters. This study concludes that the percentage of iron deficiency among supplemented pregnant women was high compared to other cities or other countries. Pregnant women who their ages &lt;25 are at risk of serum iron deficiency. On the other hand, pregnancy trimesters had no effects on the serum iron level among supplemented pregnant women.

Iodine monitoring models contribute to avoid adverse birth outcomes related more than adequate iodine intake

BackgroundIodine plays an important role in pregnancy. How to maintain adequate iodine intake amongst pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy to prevent adverse birth outcomes in central China is a challenge for clinical practice.Methods870 pregnant women and their infants were enrolled in the study. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Maternal and newborn information were obtained during follow-up. Multinomial logistic regression models were established.ResultsMedian UIC of pregnant women was 172 ± 135 μg/L which is currently considered to be sufficient. Multivitamin supplements containing iodine, iodized salt intake and frequent milk intake were significantly associated with higher UIC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multivitamin supplements containing iodine and milk consumption were risk factors for more than adequate iodine (UIC ≥ 250 μg/L). Iodine-rich diet was significantly related to heavier birthweight, larger head circumference and longer femur length of the newborns while more than adequate iodine intake (UIC ≥ 250 μg/L) was a risk factor for macrosomia. Logistic regression models based on potential risk factors involving iodine containing supplements and iodine-rich diet were established to predict and screen pregnant women with high risk of more than adequate iodine intake among local pregnant women in different trimesters and guide them to supplement iodine reasonably to prevent the risk.ConclusionsMultivitamin supplements containing iodine and milk consumption were risk factors for maternal UIC ≥ 250 μg/L which was a risk factor for macrosomia. Iodine monitoring models were established to provide guidance for pregnant women to reduce the risk of more than adequate iodine intake, thereby contributing to reduce the risk of having a macrosomia.

The level of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in pregnancy during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

AimWe aimed to evaluate the mental health and sleep quality of pregnant women in different trimesters during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and investigate the effect of quarantine and new lifestyle changes that come into our lives with pandemic with on this subject.MethodsIt was conducted on pregnant women (n = 149) who attended routine pregnancy prenatal visit during their pregnancy weeks. The data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical data form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate sleep quality, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to evaluate maternal depression and anxiety.ResultsA significant correlation was observed between the week of gestation and depression, anxiety, and defective sleep scores (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was found between the week of gestation and depression (r: 0.628). A high level of positive correlation was found between the week of gestation and defective sleep quality and anxiety scores (r: 0.858, r: 0.754). A statistically significant increase in depression, anxiety, and defective sleep quality was found in the group staying in home quarantine (p = 0.002).ConclusionThis study showed that the COVID‐19 pandemic can cause depression, anxiety, and serious sleep disorders in pregnant women. The depression and anxiety scores of pregnant women in home quarantine were also found to be higher than the group not in quarantine. As the week of gestation progresses, mental health symptoms worsen and sleep quality deteriorates.

Health anxiety and related factors among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study from Iran

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected many countries around the world and Iran was no exception. The aim of this study was to evaluate health anxiety of Iranian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 300 pregnant women in different trimesters (n = 100 in each trimester) were recruited. A demographic questionnaire and the Health Anxiety Questionnaire were used to collect data. Scores of < 27, 27–34 and more than 35 were defined as low, moderate and high health anxiety, respectively. Due to nationwide restrictions, data were collected through social media groups. Chi-square tests, ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.ResultsMean (SD) total anxiety scores were 22.3 ± 9.5, 24.6 ± 9.3 and 25.4 ± 10.6 in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. 9, 13 and 21% of women had severe anxiety in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Women in the third trimester had significantly higher health anxiety scores than those in the first trimester (p = 0.045).ConclusionAt the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were more worried about consequences of disease, but total health anxiety scores were significantly higher among women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Health care providers should pay more attention to the mental health of pregnant women in times of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The status and influencing factors of physical activity among Chinese pregnant women during different pregnancies

Objective To study the physical activity level of Chinese pregnant women in different trimesters, and analyze the influencing factors of constant physical inactivity. Methods The study objects were from Chinese Pregnant Women Cohort Study (CPWCS) who were followed-up in the first, second and third trimester. The general information of pregnant women was obtained through baseline survey, and the physical activity in each trimester was assessed through International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of constant physical inactivity during pregnancy. Results A total of 2 920 pregnant women were included in the study, of which only 1 057 (36.2%) were physically active all through the pregnancy, and 267 (9.14%) were constant physical inactivity. Logistic regression analysis results showed that prepregnancy obesity (OR=1.985, 95% CI: 1.078-3.654, P=0.028), having more than 2 family members (OR=1.544, 95% CI: 1.122-2.123, P=0.008), and smoking before pregnancy (OR=2.395, 95% CI: 1.309-4.382, P=0.005) were risk factors of constant physical inactivity. Conclusions The physical activity of Chinese pregnant women was insufficient. To help pregnant women carry out physical activities safely and effectively during pregnancy, and promote the health status of pregnant women and fetuses, we should provide personalized physical activity guidance, and family members should take actions to support pregnant women to carry out physical activities.

Iodine nutrition status and thyroid function of women at different phases of gestation in an iodine sufficient rural area.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the status of iodine nutrition and thyroid function of women at different phases of gestation in an iodine sufficient rural area. 215 pregnant women in different trimesters were consecutively enrolled in iodine sufficient rural areas of Yongjing county of Gansu province, China. The blood samples and random urine samples were collected from them, and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxin (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and urinary iodine were measured. Median Urinary Iodine (MUI) of three groups of pregnant women (first, second and third trimester) were 190 μg/L, 153 μg/L and 145 μg/L respectively. With the increase of gestational age, the level of FT3 decreased. And the FT3 level in the first trimester was higher than those in the second and third trimester. There was a U-shaped curve seen between the TSH levels and the gestational age. The medians of TgAb and TPOAb appeared the lowest in the first trimester．Significant difference was seen in TgAb and TPOAb levels of the three groups of pregnant women. The incidence of thyroid function disorder was 1.86%, including subclinical hypothyroidism accounted for 1.40% and hypothyroidism accounted for 0.47%. The incidence of thyroid function disorder mainly appeared in the early pregnancy. Abnormal FT3, TSH, positive TgAb and TPOAb were mainly seen during early pregnancy. The levels of serum TSH and thyroid hormones fluctuate at the different phases of pregnancy. With the increase of gestational age, the incidence of iodine deficiency also increased. Abnormal thyroid hormones, TSH, positive TgAb and TPOAb were mainly existed in the early pregnancy.

Dry Eye Disease among Pregnant Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu

Pregnancy is characterized by many significant changes in a woman’s body which helps develop the fetus optimally. During pregnancy, there is marked maternal endocrine upregulation, hormonal profile modifications and interactions leading to dry eyes. Pregnancy causes most parts of a woman’s body to change, and the eyes are no exception. Dry eye disease is a common pregnancy problem that usually begins towards the end of the first trimester. Since, there is a dearth of literature on dry eye disease during pregnancy in Nepal, a study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of dry eyes disease among pregnant women and to find its association with socio-demographic characteristics and their gestation period, at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. A total of 84 pregnant women in different trimesters volunteered for this study. The upper and lower limits for estimated mean age were 26.67 years to 25.03 years at 95% confidence level. The prevalence of dry eyes was 89.3% by tear break up time test and 27.4% by Schirmer’s test respectively. The association between gestational age and dry eyes by Schirmer’s test was statistically significant.

VP45.24: Health anxiety of pregnant women and its related factors during the pandemic of coronavirus

The pandemic of COVID-19 affected many countries as well as Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health anxiety of the Iranian pregnant women in time of the pandemic of the coronavirus. In this cross-sectional study 300 pregnant women in different trimesters (n = 100 in each trimester) were recruited. A demographic questionnaire and the Health Anxiety questionnaire were used to collect data. Because of quarantine data were collected through social media groups. The chi-square, ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to analyse data. The total score of anxiety was 22.3 ± 9.5, 24.6 ± 9.3 and 24.6 ± 10.6 in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy respectively. Totally 9%, 13% and 21% of the woman had severe anxiety scores (equal or more than 35 in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy respectively. Pregnant woman in the thrid trimester significantly had more health anxiety score than the first trimester ones. Pregnant women in the third trimester had significantly higher scores of "total health anxiety" in comparison with that of the first trimester ones (p = 0.045). At the time of the pandemic of COVID-19, women in the second and third trimester of pregnancy were more worry about consequences of disease, but the total score of health anxiety was significantly more in the women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Health care providers should pay more attention to the mental health of pregnant women in times of crises such as Corona pandemic.

FEATURES OF ANXIETY DISORDER IN WOMEN OF DIFFERENT AGES DURING PREGNANCY ACCORDING TO THE TAYLOR ANXIETY SCALE

The article deals with the problem of anxiety disorders in pregnant women, the mechanisms of development of increased anxiety in pregnant women and the psychological and physiological causes that make them. A theoretical analysis of the problem of increased anxiety in pregnant women and the reasons that cause it are presented. Anxiety noted by the most pregnant women is believed to be a major factor in allowing the line between women with normal physiological pregnancy and complicated pregnancy. The results of an empirical study showing differences in the manifestation of anxiety states in pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy and depending on the age of the pregnant woman are highlighted. Based on J. Taylor's method of determining anxiety in the survey of pregnant women, we found high and extremely high anxiety in almost half of them. Analyzing the manifestations of anxiety levels in pregnant women of all ages, we found a low preference for the youngest pregnant women in the sample − in 40% of young women under 20 years age. In different trimesters of pregnancy, anxiety manifests itself differently, namely, in the second trimester, most women experience the lowest levels of anxiety, while in the first and third trimesters, women experience the highest levels of anxiety, which may be due to many factors, including early pregnancy and fear of childbirth at the end.

Investigation on demands for antenatal care services among 2 002 pregnant women during the epidemic of COVID-19 in Shanghai

Objective: To identify problems and demands for antenatal care (ANC) among pregnant women in different trimesters of pregnancy in Shanghai for optimizing ANC service during the epidemic of COVID-19. Method: s Organized by maternal and child health care institute in the 16 districts of Shanghai, a cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women who came to pregnancy registration in the community health centers or attended ANC in midwifery hospitals from February 7 to February 12, 2020. Consented participating women completed a semi-structured online questionnaire voluntarily. Data was analyzed using frequency,chi-square test and scoring. Result: s A total of 2 002 valid questionnaires were collected from 183 community health centers and 67 midwifery hospitals. About 94.6%(1 894/2 002) of the pregnant women worried about being infected during the COVID-19 epidemic, and 14.7% (294/2 002) demanded for psychological consultation. Time-lapse appointments for ANC were requested by 87.7% (1 756/2 002) of the participants for avoiding presenting themselves in people-density places. Compared with other pregnancy trimesters, pregnant women in the second trimester were more willing to reduce the frequency of ANC (35.2% versus 39.5% versus 48.1%, P<0.01). Compared with multiparas, primiparas were more willing to have online consultation and guidance (49.2% versus 63.8%, P<0.01). Regarding the needs for health knowledge on COVID-19, personal protection against 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was the most concerned for pregnant women, and 71.0% (1 421/2 002) of them preferred to obtain knowledge through health applications, official Weibo and WeChat. Conclusions: Pregnant women in Shanghai critically concern about the risk of 2019-nCoV infections, and highly demand knowledge and measures on prevention and protection from COVID-19. They ask for having time-lapse appointments for ANC and online access to health information and services. Maternal and child care institutes should understand the demands of pregnant women, optimize the means of ANC service, and provide tailored and accessible health education and service for the safety of mother and child.