Primiparous Group Research Articles

Effects of dietary supplementation and parity of dam on plasma concentrations of Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-binding protein-3 during post-partum period in dromedary camels

This study aimed to investigate the effects of concentrate supplement around postpartum period on plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IFG-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 in camels (Camelus dromedarius). Eighteen pregnant females were divided into supplemented (n = 9; S) and a non-supplemented (n = 9; C) experimental groups. During day, animals grazed 7 to 8 h on salty pasture and during night, they were kept in pen, where each female in group S received 4 kg/d of concentrate supplement during the last 3 months of pregnancy and 5 kg/d during the first 3 months postpartum. Plasma concentration of IGF-I was more dependent on the dietary level (P 0.05). Overall mean was more than threefold in group S (31.2 ± 12.0 ng/ml) than in group C (9.6±4.4 ng/ml). Relative plasma concentration of IGFBP-3 was affected by dietary and parity effects (P < 0.01). It was more important in supplemented and primiparous groups than in non-supplemented and multiparous groups. A positive correlation (r = 0.45; P < 0.001) was found between plasma IGFBP-3 and IGF-I concentrations of dromedary females in postpartum period. In conclusion, concordance of increasing between plasma concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3, and energy balance was confirmed for dromedary.

Influence of health information levels on postpartum depression

While extensive research has been conducted on postpartum depression (PPD), the majority has been focused on psychological risk factors and treatments. There is limited research on the explicit relationship between the degree to which individuals are informed about relevant prenatal and postnatal health topics and whether this level of knowledge influences psychological outcome. This study assesses health information levels of new mothers and their influence on PPD as measured by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores. Data from the 2006 Maternity Experiences Survey developed by the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System (N = 6,421) were used. The study population included mothers ≥15years of age at the time of the birth, who had a singleton live birth in Canada during a 3-month period preceding the 2006 Census and who lived with their infants at the time of the survey. Pre- and postnatal health information components were measured using latent variables constructed by structural equation modeling. EPDS score was added to the model, adjusting for known covariates to assess the effects of information levels on EPDS score. Pre- and postnatal health information levels are associated with decreased EPDS scores. More specifically, information on topics such as postnatal concerns and negative feelings was associated with the largest decrease in score for primiparous and multiparous women, respectively (p < 0.0001 for both). The pre-established predictors of PPD were confirmed for both samples, with life stress associated with the largest change in EPDS score for both samples (p < 0.0001 for both). This study demonstrates a distinct role for pre- and postnatal health information in influencing EPDS scores, supplementing previous literature. Primiparous and multiparous women benefited from different information content, with information on postnatal concerns had the largest effect on the primiparous group while information on negative feelings had the largest effect on the multiparous group. Therefore, information provision should be tailored to these two groups.

Fluctuation in Plasma Bone Metabolic Markers in Multiparous and Primiparous Holstein Cows during Early to Peak Lactation

Because the role of bone turnover during early to peak lactation in dairy cows is unclear, plasma levels of osteoclast- or collagen-specific bone resorption and osteoblast-specific bone formation markers from postpartum week 3 (W+3) to W+7 were compared with prepartum W-3 levels in multiparous (n = 15) and primiparous (n = 13) Holstein cows. The multiparous group showed a consistently low level of osteoclast-specific bone resorption markers, while collagen-specific resorption and osteoblast-specific formation markers decreased at postpartum W+7 and from W+5, respectively. In the primiparous group, the plasma levels of all three markers decreased from postpartum W+3. These results suggest that the calcium demand during the transition from early to peak lactation in dairy cows is less affected by bone turnover.

Urinary incontinence during pregnancy and 1 year after delivery in primiparous women compared with a control group of nulliparous women

To investigate the impact of the first pregnancy and delivery on the prevalence and types of urinary incontinence during pregnancy and 1 year after delivery. The study was a prospective cohort study with a control group. Primiparous women, who delivered in our department from June 2003 to July 2005, participated. The women filled out a questionnaire 2-3 days after the delivery and a new questionnaire after 1 year. The questionnaires comprised basic characteristics and symptoms of urinary incontinence. An attempted age-matched control group of nulliparous women was included, and filled out similar questionnaires. Prevalences and types of urinary incontinence, and a combined severity- and bother-score (ICIQ-SF score) among the incontinent women, were calculated and compared. The two groups differed significantly in age and most basic characteristics. During pregnancy, the prevalence of any type of urinary incontinence in the primiparous group was 32.1%, compared to 13.8% in the control group. Adjusted OR = 3.3 (95%CI = 2.4-4.4). One year after delivery, the prevalence in the primiparous group was 29.3%, compared to 16.6% in the control group. Adjusted OR = 2.5 (95%CI = 1.8-3.5). ICIQ-SF mean scores among the incontinent women varied insignificantly between 5.8 and 6.2. The prevalence of urinary incontinence during pregnancy was 3.3 times higher compared with a control group of nulliparous women. After 1 year, the difference was reduced, but still 2.5 times higher in the primiparous group. The symptoms and impact on quality of life seemed to be mild to moderate in both groups.

The effect of maternal number of births on oxidative and antioxidative systems in cord blood

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between cord blood oxidative and antioxidative status and maternal parity number. Methods: Patients are grouped according to the maternal parity number: primiparous group (n = 36), multiparous group (n = 40), and grand multiparous group (n = 26). Cord blood samples are obtained in all subjects and assessed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI). The serum TAC and TOS were evaluated by using an automated colorimetric measurement method. Results: TAC levels are significantly higher and oxidative stress indicators are significantly lower in newborns of primiparous women compared to multiparous women p < 0.05 for all). TAC level is increased, whereas TOS and OSI levels are decreased in newborns of grand multiparous mothers compared to primiparous mothers. TAC level is significantly higher, whereas TOS and OSI levels are significantly lower in newborns of grand multiparous women compared to multiparous women (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: These results suggest a relation between higher maternal parity and increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defense capacity. On the other hand, the compensatory mechanisms improve the antioxidant defense system in newborns of grand multiparous women and may prevent oxidative stress.

Start of Induction of Labor With Oxytocin in the Morning or in the Evening. A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial assessed whether initiating induction of labor with intravenous oxytocin in the evening shortens the duration of labor compared with induction of labor in the early morning. The study was based on observations that the duration of labor and delivery shortens and less intervention is needed when spontaneous contractions start in the evening. The study was conducted between 2003 and 2006 at hospitals in the Netherlands. A total of 371 women at gestational age ≥36 weeks who had an indication for induction of labor with intravenous oxytocin were randomized to either an evening start of induction (9 pm) or a morning start (7 am). Randomization was stratified by parity. The primiparous group included 242 women (124 in the morning group and 118 in the evening group) and the multiparous group included 129 (63 in the morning group and 66 in the evening group). The primary study outcome was duration of labor, defined as time between start of labor and time of birth. Secondary outcomes were duration of second stage, rate of vaginal instrumental delivery and caesarean section, adverse neonatal outcomes (including Apgar score below 7 after 5 minutes and neonatal admissions), and the number and indications of pediatric consults as well as the number of intrapartum infections, use of antibiotics, and need for pain relief. Intention-to-treat analysis did not show statistically significant differences among either primiparas or multiparas in the primary outcome, duration of labor (primiparas: morning 12 hours and 8 minutes vs. evening 11 hours and 22 minutes [P = 0.29] and multiparas: morning 7 hours and 34 minutes vs. evening 7 hours and 46 minutes [P = 0.70]). No significant differences between the study groups were found in mode of delivery, use of antibiotics, pediatric consultations, or patient satisfaction. Among primiparas but not multiparas, more children born from mothers in the morning group were admitted to the neonatal ward. The investigators conclude from these findings that there is no clinically relevant difference for duration of labor and most parameters of safety between induction of labor with intravenous oxytocin starting in the evening or the morning.

Egg Extrusion, Embryo Development, Timing and Duration of Eclosion, and Incubation Period of Primiparous and Multiparous Tanner Crabs (Chionoecetes bairdi)

This study compares timing of egg extrusion, embryo development, timing and duration of eclosion, and incubation periods of Kodiak, Alaska, primiparous and multiparous Tanner crabs (Chionoecetes bairdi) reared in identical conditions to determine if and how these variables differ between reproductive states. Female reproductive state (primiparous or multiparous) and dates of egg extrusion were recorded, eggs were sampled monthly to determine egg stage and area, and larvae were collected daily during eclosion to determine timing and duration of eclosion. Primiparous Tanner crabs extruded eggs on average 103 days earlier than multiparous females and embryos developed similarly between groups. Both groups exhibited an embryonic developmental diapause at the gastrula stage, but the length of diapause was approximately 6 months for the primiparous group and 3 months for the multiparous group. This diapause appears to synchronize eclosion. The eggs of primiparous Tanner crabs were significantly smaller than the eggs of multiparous females for a few months after extrusion, but the differences may not be biologically significant. Eclosion was relatively synchronous between the two groups, however the mean eclosion date was 10 days earlier for primiparous females and on average, eclosion took 7 days for primiparous females and 12 days for multiparous females. Primiparous Tanner crabs have an average incubation period of 489 days which is 92 days longer than the average multiparous female incubation period of 397 days. Results of this study clearly illustrate that reproductive cycles differ between primiparous and multiparous Tanner crabs which may result in different reproductive potentials. Differences between primiparous and multiparous Tanner crabs must be understood and included in models for effective stock assessment, fishery management plans, and rebuilding plans.

Reproductive experience modifies dopaminergic function, serum levels of prolactin, and macrophage activity in female rats

Reproductive experience (RE), i.e. pregnancy and lactation, induces physiological changes in mammals. Recent data show that neuroimmune interactions are modulated by a diversity of events involving neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. These molecules, particularly dopamine (DA), were reported to mediate the relevant cross talk between immune and neuroendocrine systems. Moreover, DA-mediated regulation of leukocyte function is a reasonable approach to investigate the DA-operated regulatory switch for immune-competent cells, such as macrophages. Therefore, the goals of the present study were to determine the effects of RE on: (1) dopaminergic function through hypothalamic levels of DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanilic acid (HVA), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA); (2) basal levels of circulating prolactin (PRL); and (3) activity of peritoneal macrophage (phagocytosis and oxidative burst). A total of 16 adult (200–250 g) female Wistar rats were used, divided in two groups: nulliparous and primiparous. Approximately 2–3 weeks after weaning pups from the primiparous group, both groups of rats were tested. The findings indicate that: (1) DOPAC concentrations, DOPAC/DA and HVA + DOPAC/DA ratios decreased in primiparous rats as compared to virgin rats, (2) primiparous rats showed significantly lower serum PRL levels, and (3) phorbol miristate acetate (PMA)-induced oxidative burst was decreased in peritoneal macrophage from primiparous rats as compared to virgin rats. To test the possible positive correlation between serum levels of PRL and the intensity of oxidative burst by peritoneal macrophage, an extra experiment was done with adult virgin female rats treated with domperidone, an antagonist of DA receptors. Domperidone-treated animals showed increased serum levels of PRL and simultaneous increase in peritoneal macrophage oxidative burst. Thus, suggesting an indirect participation of hyperprolactinemia, induced by this treatment in peritoneal macrophage activity of female rats. These results suggest that a previous RE can modulate the activity of dopaminergic hypothalamic systems, while decreasing PRL serum levels and the oxidative burst of peritoneal macrophage. The neurochemical and hormonal RE-induced changes correlate with the immune alterations.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion and skewed X-inactivation: is there an association?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between skewed X-inactivation and recurrent spontaneous abortion in a large, well-defined sample of women with recurrent loss. X-chromosome inactivation patterns were compared in 5 groups of women. Group 1 (recurrent spontaneous abortion) consisted of 357 women with 2 or more spontaneous losses. In group 2 (infertility), there were 349 subjects from infertility practices recruited at the time of a positive serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Group 3 (spontaneous abortion) women (n = 81) were recruited at the time of an ultrasound diagnosis of an embryonic demise or an anembryonic gestation. Groups 4 (primiparous) and 5 (multiparous) were healthy pregnant subjects previously enrolled in another study to determine the incidence and cause of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The Primiparous group included 114 women in their first pregnancy, whereas the Multiparous group consisted of 79 women with 2 or more pregnancies but without pregnancy loss. The rate of extreme skewing (90% or greater) in the recurrent spontaneous abortion population was 8.6%, and not statistically different from any of the other groups, except the Primiparous group (1.0%, P < .01). The incidence of X-inactivation skewing of 90% or greater was no different whether there had been at least 1 live birth (9.9%), or no previous live births and at least 3 losses (5.6%, P > .05). When age and skewing of 90% or greater are compared, subjects with extreme skewing have a mean age of 2 years older than those without extreme skewing (P < .05). Skewed X-inactivation is not associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion but is associated with increasing maternal age.

The Impact of Parity on the Incidence of HELLP Syndrome and Small for Gestational Age Infants in Hypertensive Pregnant Women

Objectives: To determine whether maternal and fetal complications such as HELLP hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome and the incidence of small for gestational age infants in women with preeclampsia and gestational hypertension differ with both gravidity and parity.Study Design: The charts of 441 hypertensive women, 182 with preeclampsia and 259 with gestational hypertension, presenting for delivery at B.C. Women’s Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Multiple clinical parameters, including gestational age at presentation the incidence of small for gestational age SGA infants, HELLP syndrome, and the severity of preeclampsia, were compared among three groups of women: (A) primigravid primiparous, (B) multigravid primiparous, and (C) multiparous. Mean values between the groups were compared using analysis of variance with pair-wise comparison using the Tukey test.Results: The incidence of HELLP syndrome among the women with preeclampsia was similar in groups A and B 35% and 50%, respectively), but significantly lower (p < 0.012) in group C (19%). The incidence of small for gestational age infants among the women with preeclampsia was similar for groups A, B, and C (27%, 31% and 19%) respectively). In the gestational hypertensive group the incidence of SGA infants was similar for groups A, B, and C (14%, 11%, and 12% respectively).Conclusions: The preeclamptic primigravid primiparous and multigravid primiparous groups behaved similarly in their clinical expression of hypertensive complications but differed from the multiparous group by having a higher incidence of HELLP syndrome. The incidence of complications in hypertensive pregnant women varied by parity but not by gravidity. The gestational hypertensive groups did not differ in their clinical expression of hypertensive complications.

The influence of parity order and body condition and serum hormones on weaning-to-estrus interval of sows

This study was performed to investigate the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) in primiparous and multiparous sows in relation to their weight and back-fat thickness changes and serum hormone imbalance (insulin, growth hormone, and cortisol) at the end of gestation and during lactation. Ten primiparous and ten multiparous Camborough sows, fourth to seventh parity, were used in this experiment. During gestation, daily food intake was 2.4 kg (sow commercial diet: 2.96 Mcal/kg, 16% crude protein) and during lactation all sows were fed on a wet commercial diet (3.34 Mcal/kg, 17% crude protein) ad libitum, three times per day. Blood samples were collected and back-fat thickness at the P 2 site were recorded at 6 days before and 2, 7, 14, 21and 25 days after farrowing. Body weight was recorded on the same dates, except the date before farrowing. The WEI was also recorded. The average daily feed intake was different ( P<0.05) between primiparous and multiparous sows during lactation (5.23 versus 5.72 kg per day, respectively). There was a difference ( P<0.05) between primiparous and multiparous sows in total percentage of back-fat thickness loss from the end of gestation until weaning (−20.18 and −9.03%, respectively). The total percentage of weight loss during lactation was slightly greater ( P>0.05) in multiparous than primiparous sows. Weaning-to-estrus interval was greater ( P<0.05) in the primiparous group when compared with the multiparous group (5.55 and 4.22 days, respectively). No differences were found in insulin, growth hormone (GH), and cortisol concentrations between parity groups, except on the 21st day of lactation, when GH was greater in primiparous sows. There was no correlation between percentage of total weight loss and WEI, or percentage of back-fat thickness loss (total or by periods) and WEI. There were positive correlations between GH serum concentration on the 14th and 21st days and the percentage of weight loss in the third week of lactation ( r=0.46, P<0.04 and r=0.52, P<0.02, respectively), and between GH concentration on the 21st and on weaning days and WEI ( r=0.54, P<0.02 and r=0.42, P<0.06, respectively). Our results indicate that the hormone change (imbalance) during lactation, mainly GH, seems to be a better parameter to explain the difference in WEI between primiparous and multiparous sows than change in body condition.

Memory in pregnancy. I: Subjective experiences and objective assessment of implicit, explicit and working memory in primigravid and primiparous women

This study investigated the belief held by over 50% of parous women that they are more forgetful during pregnancy and postpartum relative to other times. Comparisons were made between both the reported and objective memory performances of three groups of women (n=20 per group), (1) primigravid, (2) primiparous (baby younger dun 12 months), and (3) never been pregnant, matched on age and education levels. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographic, health, and deep details, the Inventory of Memory Experiences, and tests of implicit, explicit, and working memory. The groups did not differ on self-rated levels of physical or emotional health, or anxiety level. The primigravid and primiparous groups reported overall poorer memory performance since pregnancy relative to controls. The primigravid group also reported significantly more sleep disruption, with this being a significant predictor of reported memory change. On the objective tests, there were no differences between groups on the implicit and explicit memory tats, but the primigravid and primiparous groups scored significantly lower on a test of working memory. Self-reports of memory change during pregnancy and postpartum may be related to life changes, such as sleep change, and may reflect changed perceptions rather than objective changes.

The uterine capacity measured by the total twin birth weight and duration of twin pregnancy.

The objective of this study was to answer the question whether there is the relation between the uterine capacity, estimated by the total birth weight of fetuses, and the duration of twin gestation. The material for researches contains data received from the books of births and case records concerning the pregnant who gave births to twins in the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University in Lódź between 1970-1998. The final analysis concerned only gestations lasting more than 29 weeks, without any complications (excluding prematurity and the growth-discordant twins), and when gestational age was exactly known. The selected group was finally composed of 188 pairs of twins. The analyses considered relations between total birth weight of twins, the sex of newborn babies, parity, and the duration of gestation. The duration of the analyzed twin pregnancies was 35.6 weeks, including primiparous with 35.8 weeks, and multiparous--35.1 weeks. In the group of male-male twin pairs the average duration of pregnancy was 35.7 weeks, in unlike-sexed pairs--35.6 weeks, and in female-female pairs--35.5. In the group of the primiparous having male-male twin pairs the average duration of pregnancy was 35.1 weeks, unlike-sexed pairs--36.4 weeks and female female pairs--36.6 weeks, while in the group of multiparous relatively: 36.4, 35.4, 35.0 weeks. The total birth weight of the specific pairs of twins was from 2270 g to 6900 g (average 4794 g), while in 92% < 5500 g. In the primiparous group it was 4908.1 g. and in the multiparous group--4663.1 g. Analyzing the total twins' weight according to the fetal gender and parity it was found that in primiparous with male-male twins--4715.3, unlike-sexed--5271.6 and female-female--4967.5, whereas in multiparous relatively: 4961.5, 4692.6, 4414.0. The shortening of twin pregnancies was caused by the following factors: total body mass achieved by fetuses was > 5500 g, presence of male sex in twin pregnancies (only in primiparous), and also the multiparity.

Pregnancy After Perinatal Loss: The Relationship Between Anxiety and Prenatal Attachment

To determine the difference between levels of pregnancy-specific anxiety and prenatal attachment in a group of pregnant women who previously had a late pregnancy loss and a group of primiparous women of similar gestational age. To also determine the relationship, if any, between anxiety and prenatal attachment in both groups. A nonrandom, comparative descriptive design. Participants recruited from medical offices, childbirth classes, and perinatal support groups and newsletters. A convenience sample of 31 expectant mothers (15 primiparae and 16 who previously experienced a late pregnancy miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death). Both groups of women were in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of their current pregnancy. Anxiety was measured using the Pregnancy Outcome Questionnaire; prenatal attachment was measured using the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. The loss group showed significantly greater levels of anxiety and significantly lower levels of prenatal attachment compared with a group of primiparous women of a similar gestational age. Women who experienced a previous late pregnancy loss had a higher level of anxiety related to concerns about the pregnancy and decreased prenatal attachment with the child in the current pregnancy. Women in their first pregnancy had decreased anxiety compared with the loss group. Higher levels of prenatal attachment also were shown in the primiparous group.

Urinary Incontinence and Constipation During Pregnancy and After Childbirth

Summary A total of 2,062 women (858 primigravidae, 1, 057 multigravidae [2–4], and 147 multigravidae [5+] participated in a study to assess the impact of pregnancy upon continence and constipation. A questionnaire was administered on the maternity wards of the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, two or three days after delivery and a follow-up questionnaire was mailed at three months to a cluster sample of women who gave birth during a randomly selected month. A further follow-up questionnaire was mailed nine months after the birth to a random sample of the multiparous (2–4) group who indicated leaking on the first questionnaire. Of the total number of women questioned initially, 59% experienced some degree of leaking, the incidence of which significantly increased with parity (x 2 = 56.26; p = 0.0001). The incidence of incontinence before pregnancy was 31% in the multiparous (2–4), 44% in the multiparous (5+) and 11% in the primiparous group. Of the total women questioned 35% suffered from constipation, the incidence of which also significantly increased with parity (x 2 = 6.034; p = 0.049). At three months post partum, 63% of the 152 respondents who returned the follow-up questionnaire were still leaking. The second postal questionnaire indicated that 33% of the respondents 72 were still leaking at nine months. The results of this study have established the scale of the clinical problem of post-partum urinary incontinence. Consequently, a ‘promotion of continence questionnaire’ has become an integral component of post-natal physiotherapy care at this centre.

Are Multiparous Mothers more Skilled than Primiparous Mothers in Recognising their Newborn?

A primiparous group of mothers was compared to a multiparous group in terms of their ability to accurately recognise isolated physical features of their newborns within 48 hours of birth. An “album” was constructed consisting of 6 pages, each with 5 slots marked A-E exposing a feature (1 feature per page) from photographs beneath. Of the 5 features presented, 4 were from unfamiliar babies and the fifth from the mother’s own baby. Mothers were presented with this album and asked to select which of the slots showed their baby’s feature. No difference was found between the two groups in their recognition performance. Overall, hairline-forehead was the only feature to be recognised more than expected by chance (p≤0.002) and it was accurately recognised significantly more than any other feature, except for the eyes where the difference only approached significance.

Value of early weight measurements as predictors of body weight at later ages in reindeer

Phenotypic variances in live weight in a reindeer population and repeatabilities of the weights were estimated. The population consisted of 1847 and 1878 unselected male and female calves respectively, for which data from weighings at 2 and 7 months of age were available. All individuals in a selected population, consisting of 469 of the heaviest females, were weighed at 2, 7 and 19 months of age. The data were colleted during four successive years, 1986 - 1989. An indirect selection model for improving female weight at 19 months of age was proposed. Variance in the unselected population was higher between animals than within animals. Repeatability was estimated to be 0.636 for the male calves and 0.609 for the female calves. In the selected population, within-individual variance was higher than between-animal variance. Repeatabilities were, after correction for the effect of selection, 0.316 (between 2 and 19 months) and 0.548 (between 7 and 19 months). The aim of the selection model was to increase the average weight in the primiparous group to improve their calf production ability. Using the model, the number of animals weighing equal to or more than a certain threshold weight and the number needed for recruitment at 19 months of age could be determined.

The prognosis of hypertensive disease of pregnancy accompanied by intrauterine growth retardation in relation to parity

Twenty-two primiparous women with hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HDP) associated with intra uterine growth retardation (IUGR) were compared with 20 parous women in whom HDP associated with IUGR appeared for the first time in a second or a later pregnancy. Both groups of women were followed up for 10-13 years. The course of the disease among the parous women was more severe as compared to the primiparous women; the mean gestational age at the first increase in blood pressure and gestational age at delivery were significantly earlier in the parous group (33.3 weeks +/- 3.5 v.s. 35.3 +/- 3.2 weeks, p < 0.01, 36.2 weeks +/- 2.2 v.s. 37.6 +/- 1.9 p < 0.01 accordingly). Maternal indication for induction of labor because of uncontrollable hypertension was present in 77% of the cases in the parous group as compared to 31% in the primiparous group (p < 0.05). These complications were present in 66% of subsequent pregnancies in the parous group as compared with 31% in the primiparous group (p < 0.05). Chronic hypertension developed in 33% of the parous group as compared with 20% in the primiparous group. These differences show that the manifestation of HDP is more severe in women in whom HDP with IUGR occur for the first time in a second or a later pregnancy than in those in whom this complication occurs for the first time in a second or a later pregnancy than in those in whom this complication occurs for the first time in their first pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Plasmodium falciparum-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgE antibodies in paired maternal-cord sera from east Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (immunoblot) serological analyses for immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgE antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum were made from 46 maternal-cord serum pairs obtained from parturient East Sepik (Papua New Guinea) women and their newborn. Concurrent study of these women had shown that placental parasitemia rates were related to parity with the highest rate (41%) in the primiparous group and the lowest rate (3%) in the women who had given birth more than three times (> 3 parity group). Overall ELISA positivity rates for antimalarial IgG, IgM, and IgE antibodies in the maternal sera were 54.3, 28.2, and 8.3%, respectively, while those for the cord sera were 36.9, 0, and 16.6% respectively. Seropositivity rates were not related to maternal parity group, except for maternal IgE, in which there was a higher rate, of borderline significance, in the > 3 parity group than in the primiparous group. Cord IgE positivity was largely independent of maternal positivity and vice versa. Cord and maternal IgG immunoblot pairs showed near homology. IgG antibodies to the P. falciparum antigens of sizes < 36 kDa were either weak or absent in parity group 1 and 2 maternal-cord serum pairs. Neither ELISA or immunoblot revealed IgM antibody in the cord serum samples. Maternal IgM antibodies showed a heterogeneity of responses both between paired IgG immunoblots and between different serum samples. The IgE immunoblots exhibited a similar diversity, albeit of less complexity. The presence of P. falciparum-specific IgE in the cord sera would indicate that prenatal immune hypersensitization of the fetus to malaria had occurred.

Short-lived suppressor cell activity during normal human pregnancy

Short-lived suppressor cell (SLSC) activity was determined in normal pregnant women. This activity was significantly increased in all three trimesters of pregnancy and during the first week postpartum. When pregnant women were divided into primiparous and multiparous groups, no significant differences were found between the two groups in any of the periods studied. These results suggest that increased SLSC activity may play a role in the materno-fetal tolerance and that parity has no influence on this activity.