Body Mass Index In Pregnant Women Research Articles

Serum copeptin in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

To address inconsistencies in prior research, this meta-analysis examines the potential link between serum copeptin levels and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Previous studies have reported mixed results regarding the relationship between serum copeptin levels and GDM risk. Our objective was to comprehensively evaluate this association. We systematically reviewed observational studies from Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases up to October 15, 2023, employing a random-effects model to integrate the data while considering heterogeneity. This analysis incorporated 10 studies comprising 625 women with GDM and 1212 healthy pregnant controls. Our findings showed no significant difference in serum copeptin levels between women with GDM and those without (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.22 to 0.24, P = 0.92, I2 = 75%). Univariate meta-analysis indicated a positive correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of the participants and the outcomes (coefficient = 0.11, P = 0.002). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that women with a mean BMI ≥ 26 kg/m2 and GDM had significantly higher serum copeptin levels compared to their non-GDM counterparts (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.57, P = 0.02, I2 = 46%). Conversely, no difference was observed in women with a BMI < 26 kg/m2 (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.09, P = 0.002, I2 = 0%, P for subgroup difference = 0.003). Variables such as the country of study, maternal age, timing of blood sampling, copeptin measurement methods, or GDM diagnostic criteria did not significantly affect the results. In summary, the association between serum copeptin levels and GDM risk is influenced by the BMI of pregnant women, indicating that elevated serum copeptin might be linked to GDM in individuals with a BMI ≥ 26 kg/m2.

Serum copeptin in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis.

Previous studies have reported mixed results regarding the relationship between serum copeptin levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. To address inconsistencies in prior research, this meta-analysis examines the potential link between serum copeptin levels and the risk of developing GDM. Our objective was to comprehensively evaluate this association. We systematically reviewed observational studies from Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases up to October 15, 2023, employing a random-effects model to integrate the data while considering heterogeneity. This analysis incorporated 10 studies comprising 625 women with GDM and 1212 healthy pregnant controls. Our findings showed no significant difference in serum copeptin levels between women with GDM and those without (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.22 to 0.24, P = 0.92, I2 = 75%). Univariate meta-analysis indicated a positive correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of the participants and the outcomes (coefficient = 0.11, P = 0.002). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that women with a mean BMI ≥ 26 kg/m2 and GDM had significantly higher serum copeptin levels compared to their non-GDM counterparts (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.57, P = 0.02, I2 = 46%). Conversely, no difference was observed in women with a BMI < 26 kg/m2 (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.37 to-0.09, P = 0.002, I2 = 0%,P for subgroup difference = 0.003). Variables, such as the country of study, maternal age, the timing of blood sampling, copeptin measurement methods, or GDM diagnostic criteria did not significantly affect the results. In summary, the association between serum copeptin levels and GDM risk is influenced by the BMI of pregnant women, indicating that elevated serum copeptin might be linked to GDM in individuals with a BMI ≥ 26 kg/m2.

Maternal Body Mass Index Trends and Weight Gain in Singleton Pregnancies at the Time of Fetal Anatomic Survey: Changes in the Last Decade and New Trends in the Modern Era.

(1) Background: the worldwide impact of overweight and obesity is rising, increasingly resembling an epidemic (a price we have to pay for our new way of living). (2) Methods: our study aims to evaluate the temporal trends and patterns of singleton pregnant women's BMI (body mass index) in our region during a 12-year time frame between 2010 and 2021. (3) Results: We noticed a statistically significant difference between the BMIs of nulliparous and multiparous women and a significantly increased pregestational BMI in women with previous ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedures. Smoking pregnant women had a higher second trimester weight gain, regardless of parity. Women with folic acid supplementation alone had a higher BMI than those with folic acid and multivitamin intake. The weight of both nulliparous and multiparous women with chronic hypertension was statistically significantly higher in all three timeframes. Global weight gain did not reveal any statistically significant changes concerning women with pregestational diabetes, regardless of parity and the pregnancy trimester. (4) Conclusions: our article describes the trends in obesity and overweight in our middle-income country, in which this pathology is continuously growing, negatively influencing our reproductive-aged women and future generations.

The Influence of Pregnant Women's BMI (Body Mass Index) on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in the DKI Jakarta Region, 2022

Obesity in Indonesia is increasing at an alarming rate. One in three Indonesian adults are obese. The causes of maternal and infant mortality are closely related to the increase in obesity cases in Indonesia. Several studies have stated that BMI early in pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy greatly affect the outcomes of mothers and newborns. This type of research is observational with a cross sectional design. The sampling technique is total sampling. Samples were taken by total sampling. The number of samples obtained at the Duren Sawit Health Center was 544 subjects and at the Mampang Health Center as many as 199 subjects. The number of samples is 743 samples. The relationship between BMI of pregnant women and maternal outcomes. The results of the analysis showed a p value of 0.026 which means that there is a relationship between BMI of pregnant women and maternal outcomes. The prevalence ratio is 1.42 (0.43 -0.66) with 95% interval, which means that maternal BMI is a risk factor for labor outcomes. The results of the analysis of the relationship between BMI of pregnant women and neonatal outcomes. Statistical results showed a P value of 0.45 (&gt; 0.05), which means that there is no relationship between BMI of pregnant women and neonatal outcomes. This is supported by the range of prevalence ratio values ??(-1.26 – 0.57) with 95% CI. Conclusion: Maternal body mass index is related to maternal outcomes, namely the type of delivery that will be experienced by the mother.&#x0D;

The Effect of Vitamin D3 Intervention on the Association Among Vitamin D3, Adiponectin, and Body Mass Index in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes.

Vitamin D3 (VD3) deficiency is a strong predictor of gestational diabetes. Therefore, VD3 supplementation during the antenatal period could prevent the development of gestational diabetes via its effects on insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, body mass index (BMI), and adiponectin production. To observe the effect of VD3 supplementation on adiponectin and BMI and to explore the effect of VD3 supplementation on the association among VD3, adiponectin, and BMI in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. A randomized control trial was performed after receiving consent at Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Subjects at 20-26 weeks of gestation with gestational diabetes and with a deficiency/insufficiency of VD3 were included. The study excluded those who were smokers, had multiple pregnancies, or had other gestational complications. Subjects were categorized into interventional (VD3 supplementation) and control groups. The institutional ethical committee approved the study. Serum samples were used for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay estimation of VD3 and adiponectin levels. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0, Armonk, NY) software was used to analyze data. Student t-tests were applied to compare quantitative variables, and Chi-square tests were utilized to compare qualitative variables. Pearson's correlation and linear regressions were performed to explore the association. At a 95% confidence interval, a p-value of ≤0.05 was taken as significant. With an increase in serum VD3 levels, a decrease in serum adiponectin level was observed in pregnant women with gestational diabetes (interventional group: r = -0.088, p = 0.74); however, after the intervention of VD3 supplementation in the same subjects, an increase in serum adiponectin level was noted with an increase in VD3 (interventional group: r = 0.273, p = 0.28). A significant direct relationship was found between BMI and adiponectin in the same study population (interventional group: r = 0.7, p = 0.001). Interestingly, after the intervention, BMI tends to be less likely to increase adiponectin levels (interventional group: r = 0.09, p = 0.73). Moreover, an inverse association was exhibited between BMI and VD3 levels in all the study groups before intervention (controlgroup: r = -0.07, p = 0.78; interventional group: r = -0.035, p = 0.89) and after intervention (interventional group: r = -0.12, p = 0.65), except in the control group after the intervention span, where BMI mildly raises the VD3 levels (r = -0.12, p = 0.65). BMI increases with an increase in serum adiponectin levels in gestational diabetic women, but after VD3 supplementation, BMI was less likely to influence adiponectin. Also, with an increase in BMI, a decrease in the VD3 in all study groups was observed except in the control group after VD3 supplementation.

Assessment of fetal thymus size and BMI in pregnant women with diabetes.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate whether diabetes during pregnancy affects the development of the fetal immune system. The background: evaluation of potential complications in diabetic pregnancy. The objective is evaluation of the significance of a new ultrasound method of thymus size in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. The analysis was performed with the use of IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of two groups, i.e., diabetic pregnancies and non-diabetic pregnancies, whereas Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare multiple groups. A linear regression model was used to determine the correlation between the type of diabetes and fetal thymus size as well as between maternal body mass index (BMI) and fetal thymus size. The significance level α was set at 0.05. A comparison between diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancies was made with the use of Kruskal-Wallis H test. The compared groups included women without gestational diabetes, with pre-gestational diabetes, gestational diabetes managed by diet and gestational diabetes treated with insulin and diet. The analysis revealed significant differences between the compared groups, H (3) = 23.06; p < 0.001; ƞ2 = 0.04. The additional post hoc Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction of the significance level was used to explore specific differences between group means. The results of this detailed analysis indicated that foetuses of diabetic mothers treated with diet had smaller thymus than foetuses of non-diabetic mothers (p = 0.001). Linear regression analysis was used to establish whether maternal BMI (defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height and expressed in units of kg/m²) affects fetal thymus size. The analysis found no correlation between maternal BMI divided into the following categories: 18.5-24.99 normal weight, 25-29.99 overweight, 30.00-34.99 obese class I, 35.00-39.99 obese class II and ≥ 40.00 very severely obese, and fetal thymus size, b = -1.82; SE = 2.17; t = -0.84; p = 0.405; R2 < 0.01. Thymus size is statistically smaller in foetuses of diabetic mothers when compared to healthy controls. Overweighted and obese pregnancy is not a factor affecting fetal thymus size.

The Association Between the Maternal Body Mass Index and the Birth Weight of Infants Born

Background: Birth weight is one of the most important and reliable indicators of neonatal survival, physical and mental development of the neonate and is influenced by various factors including genetics, socio-cultural and demographic factors of the mother and one of the most important factors is mother's body mass index (BMI) which directly and indirectly reflects the health and well-being of the mother and her nutritional status. Objectives: The relationship between maternal body mass index and birth weight of neonetes born in hospitals of Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences from 2021 to 2022. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 288 neonates born in hospitals of Azad University are selected. Information about neonates (gender and birth weight) and maternal information (BMI, age, occupation, education, type of delivery, gestational age, parity and history of preeclampsia) and family income are included in the designed questionnaire. Results: The mean age and BMI of the studied pregnant mothers were 30 and 29, respectively, and the mean weight of the newborns born from these mothers was estimated to be 3200 g. Among the mothers studied, 232 had abnormal body mass index, of which 41% were overweight and about 40% were obese. Among the neonates studied, 25 had abnormal weight, of which 11 were low birth weight and 14 were macrosomic. Analysis of the data of this study showed that maternal BMI can affect pregnancy outcome and birth weight of neonates. Between the mother's BMI and the baby's birth weight, there is a significant relationship. Conclusions: Due to the high mean BMI in pregnant women in this study and the possibility of giving birth to overweight neonate in obese mothers and the complications and risks of macrosomia and the possibility of weight gain and obesity in adulthood, it is necessary to pay attention to overweight pregnant women.

Arsenic Methylation and Body Composition among Pregnant Women in Rural Northern Bangladesh: The Pregnancy, Arsenic, and Immune Response (PAIR) Study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Arsenic methylation—the conversion of inorganic arsenic (iAs) to less toxic monomethyl (MMA) and dimethyl (DMA) species—could modify the developmental and reproductive toxicity of this metalloid. However, variability in arsenic methylation among pregnant women remains poorly understood. Arsenic methylation efficiency—the percentage of urinary arsenic methylated to DMA (DMA%)—is positively associated with body mass index (BMI) in pregnant women, but BMI is an ambiguous measure of body composition. We estimated arsenic methylation by body fat percentage as well as BMI in pregnant women in Bangladesh. METHODS: We collected spot urine samples from pregnant women (n=784) in gestational weeks 11-17 and measured weight, height, and subscapular and triceps skinfolds. Urinary arsenic was speciated by HPLC-ICPMS. Arsenic metabolism was assessed by urinary iAs, MMA, and DMA, which were specific gravity-corrected, divided by their sum (∑As), and multiplied by 100 (iAs%, MMA%, and DMA%). Body fat (%) was estimated using Siri’s equation with body density estimated from skinfolds. We fit linear models of iAs%, MMA%, or DMA% by body fat or BMI (kg/m2), adjusting for ln ∑As (µg/L), age (years), and gestational week. RESULTS:In complete cases (n=771), median (IQR) iAs%, MMA%, DMA%, and ∑As were 12.1% (5.8%), 6.6% (3.0%), 81.0% (7.5%), and 33.3 µg/L (37.2 µg/L). Median (IQR) body fat and BMI were 28.4% (9.1%) and 21 kg/m2 (4.4 kg/m2), and were highly correlated (Spearman’s rho=0.83). Before adjustment, body fat was negatively associated with iAs% (beta per IQR-unit increase: -1.00, 95%CI: -1.50,-0.50) and MMA% (-0.65, 95%CI: -0.90,-0.39) and positively associated with DMA% (1.65, 95%CI: 1.00,2.30). BMI was negatively associated with iAs% (beta per IQR-unit increase: -0.85, 95%CI: -1.29,-0.41) and MMA% (-0.69, 95%CI: -0.91,-0.47) and positively associated with DMA% (1.54, 95%CI: 0.98,2.10). After adjustment, results were similar. CONCLUSIONS:Arsenic methylation efficiency was positively associated with body fat and BMI among pregnant women in Bangladesh. KEYWORDS: Biomarkers of exposure, Chemical exposures, Female, Heavy metals, Obesity and metabolic disorders, Pregnancy outcomes

Association between C‐reactive protein response to influenza vaccine during pregnancy and birth outcomes

AbstractObjectiveA growing body of evidence suggests inflammatory markers can help predict poor outcomes in pregnancy. We evaluated C‐reactive protein (CRP)—a key biomarker of inflammation—before and after a safe immune provocation (the seasonal influenza vaccine) during pregnancy. We evaluated predictors of the magnitude of response, as well as the association between CRP response and birth outcomes.MethodsNonrandomized prospective cohort trial measuring CRP before and 3 days after administering seasonal flu vaccine to low‐risk obstetrical patients in Calgary, Alberta.ResultsWe analyzed 27 prevaccination/postvaccination samples. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with CRP at Day 0, and women with higher prepregnancy BMI had a less robust response to vaccination than did leaner women. There was a strong positive association between CRP response and infant birth weight; women who had the greatest response to vaccination (by tertile) gave birth to babies that weighed, on average, 256.2 g more than babies born to women with the lowest response.ConclusionsHigher BMI in pregnant women was associated with higher baseline CRP and less pronounced CRP response to vaccination. Stronger CRP response was associated with higher birth weight. These findings underscore the potential value of a more dynamic approach to studying the regulation of inflammation during pregnancy and its implications for birth outcomes. This study was registered as a clinical trial in clinicaltrials.gov (ID: REB15/1418).

Two-Way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) of the Effect of Parity on Body Mass Index and Body Surface Area of Pregnant Women

Aims: In the determination of the effect of Parity on Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Surface Area (BSA).&#x0D; Study Design: Pregnant Women Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) measurements, Number were used in this study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The data on the various measurements on pregnant women were collected from the Radiology department of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.&#x0D; Methodology: The Two-way Classification Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was employed to obtain the MANOVA test statistics for Wilk’s, Pillai, Lawley-Hotelling and Roy’s Largest Root.&#x0D; Results: Results showed that the MANOVA test statistics for Wilk’s statistics showed no significant effect for the Parity level categorized on BMI (Factor A) and the Parity level categorized on BMI and BSA (Factor AB), while Lawley-Hotelling Root test showed no significant effect for the effect of the Parity level categorized on BSA (Factor B). However, two MANOVA test statistics (Pillai and Roy’s Largest Root statistics) gave significant effect on BMI or BSA or both (or all Factors A, B and AB). These results confirmed that the effect of the Parity level has a significant effect on BMI or BSA or both in terms of the categories (normal, overweight and obese). These results are in agreement with known results by medical practitioners.

Effect of maternal HIV infection, BMI and NOx air pollution exposure on birth outcomes in South African pregnant women genotyped for the p53 Pro72Arg (rs1042522).

Tumour suppressor protein, p53, plays a role in modulating innate immune responses, DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis. Maternal nitrogen oxide (NOx) air pollution exposure, body mass index (BMI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and p53 Pro72Arg (rs1042522) affect foetal growth. We investigated whether the aforementioned factors influence birth outcomes in a South African population. Pregnant women (n=300; HIV -ve=194 and HIV +ve=106) were genotyped for the p53 rs1042522 using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and further stratified based on HIV status, infants' birthweight (BW; NBW: normal BW [>2,500g] and LBW: low BW [<2,500g]) and gestational age (GA; NGA: normal GA [>37weeks] and PTB: preterm birth [≤37weeks]). A land use regression model was developed to characterize maternal NOx exposure. Pearson's correlation and multivariate regression analysis statistical tests were used to determine the effect of rs1042522 genotyped pregnant women's BMI and NOx exposure on maternal blood pressure and haemoglobin and iron levels, and infants' anthropometric measurements and Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity and Respiration (APGAR) scores. The prevalence of LBW and PTB was 14.7% and 18.7%, respectively. The LBW group had a higher frequency of the variant Arg-allele versus NBW group (47.7% vs. 31.4%, p=.0046, OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.26-3.17). No association was observed between NGA and PTB groups. A significant association between BMI and systolic blood pressure (r=.50, p=.00; B=0.76, p=.002) and birth length (r=-.28, p=.01; B=-0.107, p=.011), and NOx and birth length (r=-.26, p=.08; B=-0.191, p=.046) and birthweight (B=-8.87, p=.048) was observed in HIV-infected mothers with the variant Pro/Arg+Arg/Arg genotypes. Mothers from the LBW group with the variant genotypes displayed an association between NOx and diastolic blood pressure (r=.58, p=.04), blood iron levels (r=-.60, p=.04; B=-0.204, p=.004), APGAR scores at 1min (r=-.86, p=.00; B=-0.101, p=.003) and 5min (r=-.75, p=.01) and birth length (r=-.61, p=.04), and BMI and diastolic blood pressure (r=.72, p=.01). In the PTB group, maternal variant genotypes and NOx were associated with blood haemoglobin levels (B=-0.132, p=.045) and APGAR scores at 1min (B=-0.161, p=.045) and 5min (B=-0.147, p=.043). Maternal rs1042522 Arg-allele, HIV infection, BMI and NOx exposure collectively play a role in lowering blood iron levels, gestational hypertension and LBW outcomes.

Relationships Between Infant Birth Weight and Maternal Mastication Ability, Caloric Intake and Prepregnancy Body Mass Index of Women with Posterior Tooth Loss

Objective: To analyze the relationships between infant birth weight and maternal mastication ability, caloric intake, and body mass index (BMI) of women with posterior tooth loss. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 52 females aged 20–35 years who gave birth recently and had one or more unreplaced missing posterior teeth. The number and locations of the missing teeth were grouped on the basis of the Eichner Index. Prepregnancy BMI, caloric intake, and subjective mastication ability were recorded. Results: A significant difference was observed in the mean infant birth weights between the subjects with good and poor mastication in Eichner A2 (p<0.001), B1 (p=0.039), and B2 groups (p=0.039), that mean infant birth weight was lower in the group of women with poor mastication. The Pearson correlation test revealed a significant relationship between maternal caloric intake and infant birth weight (p<0.001). Mean infant birth weights differed between BMI categories, i.e., underweight, normal and overweight women subjects (2.59 ± 0.18 Kg, 2.99 ± 0.15 Kg, 3.58 ± 0.30 Kg) (p<0.001). The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences between the prepregnancy BMIs of pregnant women with posterior tooth loss and infant birth weights (p<0.001). Conclusion: We found that decreased subjective mastication ability in pregnant women who lost posterior teeth was associated with decreased infant birth weight, whereas higher mean caloric intake and higher prepregnancy BMI in pregnant mothers who lost posterior teeth were associated with increased infant birth weight.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence and its association with the body mass index (BMI) among pregnant women in Ternate Island

Urinary incontinence, a condition where a patient cannot withhold urinating, can cause health, social and psychological problems. This condition is not life threatening but can affect their quality of life due to the difficulties of treatment in the psychological and social problems. Even though this disorder is common in pregnancy, the exact cause is still unknown. Many researchers assert that urinary incontinence is due to multifactorial causes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in pregnant women and its relationship with body mass index (BMI). A cross sectional study involving 224 pregnant women in the primary health centers on Ternate Island was conducted using the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID). Respondents with a history of urinary incontinence without pregnancy or positive urinary tract infection diagnosis were excluded from this study. Data were gathered through interviews and physical examinations. The total prevalence of urinary incontinence was 28.6%. Urge incontinence (39.0%) was the most common type followed by mixed (37.5%) and the least common was stress incontinence (23.4%). There was a significantly association between urinary incontinence and maternal BMI (p=0.045). Urinary incontinence occured as much as 2.167 (95% CI: 1.008 - 4.656) times greater in pregnant women with obesity than those who had an ideal BMI. In conclusion, urge incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence. There is a significant correlation between urinary incontinence and the BMI of pregnant women, especially in obese women.

The Association of Prenatal Depression and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Pregnant Women Referred to Health Centers in Qom

Abstract Introduction : Pregnancy is a period during which women experience physical and psychological changes. The considerable changes can be found in their bodies and weights and they are quickly exposed to being overweight and obesity. On the other hand, few studies have assessed the association of depression with body mass index (BMI). This study explored whether depression and BMI affect each other in pregnancy. It aimed to investigate the correlation between prenatal depression and BMI in pregnant women in Qom. Methods : This was a descriptive-correlational study conducted on pregnant women referred to health centers in 2016. Participants were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Samples of 236 pregnant women were divided into two groups: the second (14-28 weeks) and third (28-40 weeks) trimesters of pregnancy. Height and weight were measured to determine the initial BMI as well as BMI during pregnancy. Demographic information was collected from demographic and obstetric forms. Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, significant at P < 0.05. Results : The results showed BMI in the second trimester to be 48.3% in the normal range, 16.1% overweight, and 30.5% obese. In the third trimester, BMI was 16.9% in the normal range, 34.4% overweight, and 46.6% obese. The rate of depression was 19.5% in the second trimester and 17.8% in the third trimester. Pearson’s correlation test showed that the association between prenatal depression and BMI did not exist in the second trimester (P = 0.499). In the third trimester, there was a significant negative correlation (P = 0.024). Based on regression analysis, among the factors related to BMI (depression, number of family members, gravidity, number of living children, parity, mother’s age, unwanted pregnancy by father, unwanted pregnancy by mother), depression and were are the only predictive factors strongly associated with BMI (P = 0.002 and P = 0.028, respectively). Conclusions : In our study, there was an inverse correlation between depression and BMI of pregnant women, so that with increase in depression, BMI decreased. According to the different results of the research, further studies should be carried out regarding the effect of depression on BMI in order to be able to provide further assistance to pregnant women.

A Higher Rate of Iron Deficiency in Obese Pregnant Sudanese Women

AIM:To assess the association between obesity and iron deficiency (ID).MATERIAL AND METHODS:Pregnant women were recruited from Saad Abualila Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan, during January–April 2015. Medical history (age, parity, gestational age) was gathered using questionnaire. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Women were sub-grouped based on BMI into underweight (< 18.5 kg/m^2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m^2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m^2) and obese (≥ 30 kg/m^2). Serum ferritin and red blood indices were measured in all studied women.RESULTS:Two (0.5%), 126 (29.8%), 224 (53.0%) and 71 (16.8%) out of the 423 women were underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese, respectively. Anemia (Hb <11 g/dl), ID (ferritin <15µg/l) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were prevalent in 57.7%, 21.3% and 12.1%, respectively. Compared with the women with normal BMI, significantly fewer obese women were anemic [25 (35.2%) vs. 108 (85.7%), P < 0.001] and significantly higher number of obese women [25 (35.2) vs. 22 (17.5, P = 0.015] had iron deficiency. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant negative association between serum ferritin and BMI (– 0.010 µg/, P= 0.006).CONCLUSION:It is evident from the current findings that prevalence of anaemia and ID showed different trends about BMI of pregnant women

The impact of excessive maternal weight on the nutritional status of the fetus - the role of leptin.

IntroductionAssessment of leptin concentration in the blood of pregnant women (leptin concentration – Lc) and in their newborns, according to their nutritional status.Material and methodsPregnant women (n = 42) were divided into normal body mass (NBM) and excessive body mass (EBM) groups. Neonates were divided into AGA (eutrophic) and LGA (macrosomic) groups. Leptin concentraction was studied in 4 subgroups: NBM/AGA, NBM/LGA, EBM/AGA, EBM/LGA.ResultsMothers: A significant correlation was found between maternal Lc and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). Maternal Lc was 3 times higher than neonatal Lc (p < 0.00001). The NBM mothers showed lower Lc compared to EBM mothers (p = 0.000018). Leptin concentration values in NBM/LGA and NBM/AGA mothers were similar (p = 0.6775). Newborns: Correlations were found between Lc and ponderal index (PI) (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), weight (r = 0.43, p = 0.004) and placental weight (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Girls presented higher Lc than boys (p = 0.0338). In LGA groups, newborns born to EBM mothers presented higher Lc than those born to NBM mothers (p = 0.0013). In both AGA groups, Lc was similar (AGA/EBM vs. AGA/NBM p = 0.1619). The highest Lc and the largest placentas were found in the group of LGA newborns born to EBM mothers.ConclusionsLeptin concentration positively correlates with BMI in pregnant women, with PI and female sex in newborns as well as with placental weight. The nutritional status of fetuses does not affect the Lc of their non-obese mothers. The LGA neonates born to EBM women demonstrate higher Lc than LGA neonates born to NBM mothers, whereas Lc of AGA neonates is similar regardless of the nutritional status of their mothers.

Expression of interleukin-37 in placenta and its relationship with the pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia

To investigate the expression of interleukin-37 (IL-37) in placenta tissue and its relationship with the pathogenesis of severe preeclampsia. All the patients were recruited in Qilu Hospital of Shangdong University from November 2012 to November 2013. Among them, thirty patients with severe preeclampsia were assigned to the preeclampsia group, and thirty-one healthy pregnant women were assigned to the control group. Immunohistochemistry of SP was used to detect the IL-37 protein expression in placenta tissue of the two groups. The expression level of IL-37 in placenta tissue of the two groups was detected by western blot. Besides, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to detect the expression of IL-37 mRNA. The correlation between the expression of IL-37 mRNA and the delivery gestational age, body mass index (BMI) was analyzed. (1) IL-37 were detected in the placenta of both the preeclampsia group and the control group, and the expression site mainly located in the syncytiotrophoblast, with a small amount in cytotrophoblast. (2) The expression levels of IL-37 protein in the preeclampsia group and the control group were 0.59 ± 0.39 and 0.88 ± 0.22, respectively. The IL-37 mRNA levels in the preeclampsia group and the control group were 0.55 ± 0.17 and 1.11 ± 0.21, respectively. Both decreased significantly when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). (3) Significant correlation between the expression of IL-37 mRNA and the delivery gestational weeks (r = 0.209, P > 0.05) was seen neither in the preeclampsia group nor in the control group (r = -0.053, P > 0.05). In the severe preeclampsia group, the pregnant women's BMI had no significant correlation with IL-37 mRNA expression of placenta tissue (r = 0.102, P > 0.05), neither did the control group(r = -0.115, P > 0.05). IL-37 expression is significantly lower in severe preeclampsia placenta tissue than that in the normal pregnant women, which may play a protective role in the course of severe preeclampsia.

Factors involved in the persistence of stress urinary incontinence from pregnancy to 2 years post partum

Objective To identify factors involved in the persistence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) from pregnancy to 2 years post partum. Method In a longitudinal study at Donostia Hospital, San Sebastián, Spain, 458 primigravid women were recruited from April to October 2007. SUI was diagnosed via the 2002 International Continence Society definition. Severity was assessed via the Incontinence Severity Index, and impact on quality of life via the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire. Means (Student t test and analysis of variance) and percentages ( χ 2 and Fisher exact tests) were compared, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with variables that were significant or close to significant in a univariate analysis ( P < 0.2). Results Among 272 eligible women attending follow-up at 2 years post partum, 26 (9.5%) women reported persistent SUI since pregnancy. Incontinence severity was slight or moderate in most cases and the impact on quality of life was low. A higher body mass index (BMI) in pregnant women at term was the only factor found to be associated with persistent SUI (odds ratio 1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.32). Conclusion Higher BMI in pregnant women at term was an independent risk factor for the persistence of SUI from pregnancy to 2 years post partum.

The effect of socioeconomic status on dietary intake, physical activity and Body Mass Index in Austrian pregnant women

To examine the associations of socioeconomic status (SES) with dietary intake and health related factors in pregnant women. A total of 261 pregnant women attending maternity clinics in Austria. Descriptive cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire in combination with an interview to assess dietary intake (24-hour-recall). In the linear regression models, women with a higher level of education showed a higher intake of dietary fibre (P = 0.015), folate (P = 0.048), beta-carotene (P = 0.008), and calcium (P = 0.003), whereas the intake of total fat (P = 0.039) was lower. The mean reported prepregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) of lower educated women (23.6 kg m(-2)) was significantly higher (p for trend = 0.018) than that of women with medium or high levels of education (21.7 and 21.6 kg m(-2), respectively). The manual occupation group was more than four times less likely to engage in structured physical activity compared with the nonmanual occupation group (adjusted odds ratio for manual group = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08; 0.87). Education is a strong and independent predictor of nutrient intake and BMI in pregnant women. The use of occupation and household income in addition to education improves the description of socioeconomic inequalities in diet and health related factors.