Interpregnancy weight change and adverse maternal outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

PurposeExamine associations between interpregnancy body mass index (BMI) change (difference in the pre-pregnancy BMIs of two consecutive pregnancies) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre-eclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GHtn), primary cesarean delivery, and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC).MethodsModified Poisson regression models estimated adjusted associations.ResultsEvery 1-unit increase in interpregnancy BMI increased risks of GDM (relative risk [RR]: 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.11), PE (RR: 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04–1.09), GHtn (RR: 1.08; 95% CI, 1.06–1.10), and primary cesarean delivery (RR: 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.05) and decreased the risk of a successful VBAC (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.997) in the second pregnancy. A BMI increase of ≥3 units increased risks of GDM (RR: 1.71, 95% CI, 1.52–1.93), PE (RR: 1.60, 95% CI, 1.33–1.94), GHtn (RR: 1.66, 95% CI, 1.42–1.94), and primary cesarean delivery (RR: 1.29, 95% CI, 1.12–1.49) and decreased the risk of a successful VBAC (RR: 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80–0.99) compared to women with interpregnancy BMI change within −1 and +1 unit. GDM was also increased among women increasing their BMI by ≥2 but <3 units (RR: 1.40; 95% CI, 1.21–1.61) and among those gaining ≥1 but <2 units (RR: 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08–1.40).ConclusionAn interpregnancy BMI increase of ≥3 units is associated with an increased risk of all outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of interpregnancy weight management.     

Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes Among Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women: Results From Nationally Representative Data

BackgroundAlthough the literature suggests that women with disabilities are at increased risk for pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes, there are few population-based studies of pregnancy outcomes among deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) women in the United States.ObjectiveTo compare pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes between deliveries to DHH and non-DHH women using national hospitalization discharge record data.Study DesignWe used the 2007–2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample to compare pregnancy complications and outcomes among deliveries to DHH women with deliveries to non-DHH women using bivariate and Poisson regressions, controlling for sociodemographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics.ResultsDHH women had an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and chronic medical conditions, including preexisting diabetes (relative risk [RR], 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.68–2.42; p < .001), gestational diabetes (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.19–1.44; p < .001), chronic hypertension (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.33–1.72; p < .001), preeclampsia and eclampsia (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21–1.51; p < .01), placenta previa (RR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.22–2.16; p < .01), placental abruption (RR, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.78; p < .01), labor induction (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05–1.27; p < .01), chorioamnionitis (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.22–1.69; p < .001), cesarean delivery (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04–1.14; p < .001), premature rupture of membranes (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.20–1.50; p < .001), antepartum hemorrhage (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13–1.64; p < .001), and postpartum hemorrhage (RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13–1.49; p < .001). After adjustment for socioeconomic and hospital characteristics, the risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and eclampsia, placenta previa, and chorioamnionitis remained unexplained.ConclusionsDHH women are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes, illuminating the need for awareness among obstetric and primary care providers as well as the need for systematic investigation of outcomes and evidence-based guidelines.     

Unplanned Pregnancy as a Major Determinant in Inadequate Use of Prenatal Care

Background.Previous reports have stressed the importance of social class and education in prenatal care use. Unplanned pregnancy as a determinant of prenatal care use has been insufficiently studied. The objective of this report was to assess whether unplanned pregnancy is an independent predictor of inadequate use of prenatal care.Methods.A 5% sample of women delivering at a hospital (409 women in the study population) was selected. Data on pregnancy were obtained by personal interview and from clinical charts. Prenatal care was considered inadequate according to the Kessner index. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was applied to select the independent predictors of inadequate prenatal care use.Results.Prenatal care use was inadequate among 16.4% of the women. Pregnancy was unplanned among 42.8% of the women. Twenty-two percent of women with an unplanned pregnancy used prenatal care inadequately, while 12% of those with planned pregnancies used prenatal care inadequately (RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.2–2.9). In crude analysis, inadequate prenatal care use was also related to lower social class, lower education level, no employment outside the home, and multiparity. After adjustment was made for other predictors that were included in a stepwise logistic regression model (maternal education, social class, maternal occupation, parity, and pregnancy-induced hypertension), unplanned pregnancy was a significant risk factor for inadequate use of prenatal care (odds ratio = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2–3.7) and it was an independent predictor for a delayed first prenatal care visit and for a reduced number of visits.Conclusions.The results suggest that unplanned pregnancy is a major determinant for inadequate use of prenatal care.     

Pregnancy outcomes among visually impaired women in Washington State, 1987–2014

BackgroundWomen with visual impairment may have reduced ability to access standard care resources, however, information on their pregnancy and neonatal outcomes is limited.ObjectiveTo assess risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes among visually impaired women in Washington State from 1987 to 2014.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked Washington State birth/fetal death hospital discharge records to compare outcomes among women with and without visual impairment noted at their delivery hospitalization. Pregnancy conditions and outcomes evaluated included gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, labor induction and cesarean delivery. Neonatal outcomes included preterm delivery and birth weight <2500 g. We assessed length of maternal and infant delivery hospitalization. We performed Poisson regression to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome, adjusting for year of delivery, maternal age, and parity.ResultsMost adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were similar for visually impaired (N = 232) and comparison women (N = 2362). However, visually impaired women had increased risks of severe pre-eclampsia (RR 3.77, 95% CI 1.69–8.43), labor induction (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10–1.61) and preterm delivery (RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.06–2.42). They were also more likely to have delivery hospitalizations of 3 or more days following a vaginal (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.41–2.47). Among cesarean deliveries, infants of visually impaired women had increased risk (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.51) of hospitalization for 3 or more days postpartum.ConclusionOur findings may be useful for obstetric providers in counseling their visually impaired patients.     

Factors Associated With Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy Among Women Veterans

IntroductionLittle is known about the rates of smoking among pregnant veterans. Our objective was to examine rates of smoking during pregnancy and factors associated with quitting smoking during pregnancy.MethodsWe used data from a cohort study of pregnant veterans from 15 Veterans Health Administration facilities nationwide. Veterans who reported smoking during pregnancy were included in this analysis. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of quitting smoking during pregnancy.ResultsOverall, 133 veterans reported smoking during pregnancy. Among this group of women who smoked, the average age was 31.6 years, 20% were Black, and 14% were Hispanic/Latino. More than one-half of women (65%) who reported smoking at the start of pregnancy quit smoking during pregnancy. Multivariable models, adjusted for history of deployment and age, indicated that prenatal care initiation at 12 or fewer weeks compared with more than 13 weeks (relative risk [RR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–3.58), living without household smokers compared with any household smokers (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.14–2.17), and first pregnancy (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17–1.95) were significant predictors of quitting versus persistent smoking during pregnancy.ConclusionsWomen veterans who quit smoking may be different than those who continue to smoke during pregnancy. Establishing prenatal care early in pregnancy, which likely includes counseling about smoking cessation, seems to be an important factor in quitting. Those for whom it is not a first pregnancy and who live with other smokers may especially benefit from such counseling.     

Postpartum weight retention in relation to gestational weight gain and pre-pregnancy body mass index: A prospective cohort study in Vietnam

BackgroundThe prevalence of maternal overweight and obesity is increasing in Asia. This study prospectively investigated the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG) and 12-month postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in a large cohort of Vietnamese mothers.MethodsOf the 2030 pregnant women recruited from three cities in Vietnam at 24–28 weeks of gestation, a total of 1666 mothers were followed up for 12 months after delivery and available for analysis. The outcome variable PPWR was determined by subtracting the pre-pregnancy weight from the 12-month postpartum measured weight, while GWG and pre-pregnancy BMI were classified according to the Institute of Medicine and WHO criteria for adults, respectively. Linear regression models were used to ascertain the association between pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG and PPWR accounting for the effects of plausible confounding factors.ResultsBoth pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were significantly associated with PPWR (P < 0.001). The adjusted mean weight retention in underweight women before pregnancy (3.71 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.37–4.05) was significantly higher than that in those with normal pre-pregnancy weight (2.34 kg, 95% CI 2.13–2.54). Women with excessive GWG retained significantly more weight (5.07 kg, 95% CI 4.63–5.50) on average at 12 months, when compared to mothers with adequate GWG (2.92 kg, 95% CI 2.67–3.17).ConclusionsBeing underweight before pregnancy and excessive GWG contribute to greater weight retention twelve months after giving birth. Interventions to prevent postpartum maternal obesity should target at risk women at the first antenatal visit and control their weight gain during the course of pregnancy.     

妇女孕前体质量指数、孕期增重对子痫前期-子痫影响研究

目的 分析孕妇孕前体质量指数(BMI)、孕期各阶段增重、孕期总增重与子痫前期-子痫（PE-E)发生的相关性。方法 采用概率比例规模抽样法(PPS抽样),招募西南三省5 396例单胎妊娠孕妇为研究对象,收集其一般人口学资料,测量获得其身高、孕前体质量、每次产前检查的体质量等指标,并计算孕期各阶段增重和孕期总增重。根据美国医学研究院(IOM)标准定义其孕期增重是否适宜。采用logistic回归分析孕前BMI、孕期增重指标与PE-E的关系。结果 与孕前BMI处于正常范围内的孕妇相比,孕前BMI较低者PE-E发生的可能性较低(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.03～0.62),孕前超重、肥胖的孕妇发病风险增加(超重OR=3.69,95%CI:2.21～6.01;肥胖OR=6.12,95%CI:1.68～17.30)。孕中期增重速率过大(OR=2.24,95%CI:1.25～4.35)、妊娠期总增重过高者(OR=1.70,95%CI:1.02～2.85)发生PE-E的风险增加。结论 孕前BMI、孕期增重和PE-E的发生密切相关,育龄妇女孕前应尽量达到正常体质量标准,孕期保持适宜的体质量增加,以减少PE-E发生的可能性。     

Determinants of Excessive Gestational Weight Gain in Urban,Low-Income Women

BackgroundFactors influencing excessive weight gain in pregnancy have not been well-studied among urban, low-income women.MethodsThis prospective cohort study of 94 prenatal care patients at a large university hospital in Philadelphia examined associations of modifiable midpregnancy behaviors and nonmodifiable or early pregnancy factors with excessive gestational weight gain. Data were collected through questionnaires and medical record abstraction from 2009 to 2011.FindingsThe majority of women were African American (83%) and all (100%) received Medicaid. Nearly two thirds (60%) were overweight or obese in early pregnancy and 41% experienced excessive gain. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, significant predictors of excessive gestational weight gain included high early pregnancy body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 4.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–12.34 for overweight/obese vs. normal weight), nulliparity (OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 1.17–9.62 for nulliparity vs. multiparity), and clinician advice discordant with Institute of Medicine guidelines (OR, 5.88; 95% CI, 1.04–33.32 for discordant vs. concordant advice). Watching under 2 hours of television daily (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.03–1.03), and engaging in regular physical activity during pregnancy (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.11–1.09) were suggestive of a reduced risk of excessive gain.ConclusionsIn this sample of urban, low-income women, high early pregnancy body mass index, nulliparity, and discordant clinician advice were directly associated with excessive gestational weight gain, with a trend toward decreased risk for viewing fewer hours of television and engaging in regular physical activity. Intervening on these targets may optimize gestational weight gain and promote long-term maternal health.     

Postpartum screening for diabetes among Medicaid-eligible South Carolina women with gestational diabetes

PurposeTo examine the rate of timely postpartum screening for diabetes among Medicaid-eligible women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsWe examined a retrospective cohort of Medicaid women with a live birth between 2004 and 2007. Women with singleton live births at greater than 28 weeks gestation were included in the cohort and their screening receipt tracked. Only the first qualifying pregnancy within the observation period was assessed. Birth certificate records were linked with hospital discharge data, outpatient prenatal care claims to identify women with GDM (n = 6,239). Medicaid postpartum claims for these women were examined to determine receipt of postpartum screening for diabetes within 5 to 13 weeks. Women with any indication of a dedicated plasma glucose test identified by CPT codes 82947, 82950, 82951, and 82952 during this time period were considered to meet the definition of screening.ResultsApproximately 3.4% of women identified as having GDM were screened for diabetes postpartum. Adjusted analysis found women not attending the postpartum visit (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.91) and women receiving inadequate prenatal care (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.34–0.95) were less likely to receive postpartum screening for diabetes. Conversely, women 20 to 34 years of age (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21–2.66) and women who were obese (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.56–3.32) were more likely to be screened.ConclusionsMedicaid is a primary source of insurance for many women; however, for most coverage ends at 60 days postpartum, leaving a narrow window of opportunity for postpartum screening. Extended periods of coverage may be beneficial in ensuring the opportunity to receive adequate postpartum care, including screening for diabetes.     

Higher prepregnancy body mass index is a risk factor for developing preeclampsia in Maya-Mestizo women: a cohort study

Aim: Preeclampsia and obesity are two closely related syndromes. The high maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for present preeclampsia, independently of the ethnic background of the studied population. The aim of this study was to analyse in a prospective cohort study the relation between prepregnancy BMI and development of preeclampsia in Maya-Mestizo women.

Design: This is a prospective cohort study of 642 pregnant women that were included in the first trimester of the pregnancy (gestational age ≤12 weeks at the first antenatal visit) and all of them were of Maya-Mestizo ethnic origin from the state of Yucatán, México. We assessed the potential risk factors for preeclampsia and documented the prepregnancy BMI (kg/m²) that was based on measured height and maternal self-report of prepregnancy weight at the initial visit. Besides, in the antenatal visit we documented if the pregnant women developed preeclampsia.

Results: Of the 642 pregnant Maya-Mestizo women, 49 developed preeclampsia, with an incidence of 7.6% (44.9% had severe and 55% mild). The prepregnancy BMI was higher in women with developed preeclampsia than in those with normal pregnancies. Women with overweight or obesity in comparison with normal weight presented a RR?=?2.82 (95% CI: 1.32–6.03; P?=?0.008) and RR=?4.22 (95% CI: 2.07–8.61; P?=?0.001), respectively.

Conclusions: Our findings expand the previous studies to show that the higher prepregnancy BMI is a strong, independent risk factor for preeclampsia.     

Continuity of primary care and prenatal care adequacy among women with disabilities in Ontario: A population-based cohort study

BackgroundWomen with disabilities experience elevated risks for pregnancy complications and report barriers accessing prenatal care. Emerging evidence highlights the significant role primary care providers play in promoting preventive services like prenatal care.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between continuity of primary care (COC) and prenatal care adequacy among women with disabilities.MethodsWe conducted a population-based study using health administrative data in Ontario, Canada. The study population included 15- to 49-year-old women with physical (n = 106,555), sensory (n = 32,194), intellectual/developmental (n = 1515), and multiple (n = 6543) disabilities who had a singleton livebirth or stillbirth in 2003–2017 and ≥ 3 primary care visits < 2 years before conception. COC was measured using the Usual Provider of Care Index. Nominal logistic regression was used to compute adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for prenatal care adequacy, measured using the Revised-Graduated Prenatal Care Utilization Index, for women with low versus moderate/high COC, controlling for other social and medical characteristics.ResultsWomen with disabilities with low COC, versus those with moderate/high COC, had increased odds of no (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.29–1.56), inadequate (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.16–1.23), and intensive prenatal care (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.19–1.25) versus adequate. In additional analyses, women with low COC and no/inadequate prenatal care were the most socially disadvantaged among the cohort, and those with low COC and intensive prenatal care had the greatest medical need.ConclusionImproving primary care access for women with disabilities, particularly those experiencing social disadvantage, could lead to better prenatal care access.     

Comparative Effectiveness of Group and Individual Prenatal Care on Gestational Weight Gain

This study examined differences in gestational weight gain for women in CenteringPregnancy (CP) group prenatal care versus individually delivered prenatal care. We conducted a retrospective chart review and used propensity scores to form a matched sample of 393 women (76 % African-American, 13 % Latina, 11 % White; average age 22 years) receiving prenatal care at a community health center in the South. Women were matched on a wide range of demographic and medical background characteristics. Compared to the matched group of women receiving standard individual prenatal care, CP participants were less likely to have excessive gestational weight gain, regardless of their pre-pregnancy weight (b = ?.99, 95 % CI [?1.92, ?.06], RRR = .37). CP reduced the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy to 54 % of what it would have been in the standard model of prenatal care (NNT = 5). The beneficial effect of CP was largest for women who were overweight or obese prior to their pregnancy. Effects did not vary by gestational age at delivery. Post-hoc analyses provided no evidence of adverse effects on newborn birth weight outcomes. Group prenatal care had statistically and clinically significant beneficial effects on reducing excessive gestational weight gain relative to traditional individual prenatal care.     

Risk of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in relation to maternal co-morbid mood and migraine disorders during pregnancy

We evaluated the risks of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among pregnant women with mood and migraine disorders, using a cohort study of 3432 pregnant women. Maternal pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy (<20 weeks gestation) mood disorder and pre-pregnancy migraine diagnoses were ascertained from interview and medical record review. We fitted generalised linear models to derive risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for women with isolated mood, isolated migraine and co-morbid mood-migraine disorders, respectively. Reported RR were adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, marital status, parity, smoking status, chronic hypertension or pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and pre-pregnancy body mass index. Women without mood or migraine disorders were defined as the reference group. The risks for preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were more consistently elevated among women with co-morbid mood-migraine disorders than among women with isolated mood or migraine disorder. Women with co-morbid disorders were almost twice as likely to deliver preterm (adjusted RR=1.87, 95% CI 1.05, 3.34) compared with the reference group. There was no clear evidence of increased risks of preterm delivery and its subtypes with isolated migraine disorder. Women with mood disorder had elevated risks of pre-eclampsia (adjusted RR=3.57, 95% CI 1.83, 6.99). Our results suggest an association between isolated migraine disorder and pregnancy-induced hypertension (adjusted RR=1.42, 95% CI 1.00, 2.01). This is the first study examining perinatal outcomes in women with co-morbid mood-migraine disorders. Pregnant women with a history of migraine may benefit from screening for depression during prenatal care and vigilant monitoring, especially for women with co-morbid mood and migraine disorders.     

Risk factors differ between recurrent and incident preeclampsia: a hospital-based cohort study

PurposeTo examine whether risk factors, including prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), differ between recurrent and incident preeclampsia.MethodsData included electronic medical records of nulliparas (n = 26,613) delivering 2 times or more in Utah (2002–2010). Modified Poisson regression models were used to examine (1) adjusted relative risks (RR) of preeclampsia and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with prepregnancy BMI; (2) maternal risk factor differences between incident and recurrent preeclampsia among primiparous women.ResultsIn the first pregnancy, compared with normal weight women (BMI: 18.5–24.9), preeclampsia risks for overweight (BMI: 25–29.9), obese class I (BMI: 30–34.9), and obese class II/III (BMI: ≥35) women were 1.82 (95% CI = 1.60–2.06), 2.10 (95% CI = 1.76–2.50), and 2.84 (95% CI = 2.32–3.47), respectively, whereas second pregnancy–incident preeclampsia risks were 1.66 (95% CI = 1.27–2.16), 2.31 (95% CI = 1.67–3.20), and 4.29 (95% CI = 3.16–5.82), respectively. Recurrent preeclampsia risks associated with BMI were highest among obese class I women (RR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.06–2.42) without increasing in a dose-response manner. Nonwhite women had higher recurrence risk than white women (RR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.16–2.50), whereas second pregnancy–incident preeclampsia risk did not differ by race.ConclusionPrepregnancy BMI appeared to have stronger associations with risk of incident preeclampsia either in the first or second pregnancy, than with recurrence risk. Nonwhite women had higher recurrence risk.     

Prenatal care initiation among very low-income women in the aftermath of welfare reform: does pre-pregnancy Medicaid coverage make a difference?

Objectives: To examine pre-pregnancy Medicaid coverage and initiation of prenatal care among women likely eligible for Medicaid coverage regardless of pregnancy. Methods: The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) was used to identify very low-income women with Medicaid payment for delivery. We then compared prenatal care initiation among women with (Non-GAP) and without (Medicaid GAP) pre-pregnancy Medicaid coverage. Results: Rates of first trimester prenatal care were 47.3% for women in the Medicaid GAP, 70.0% for women who were not. The adjusted odds ratio for being in the Medicaid GAP and delayed prenatal care was 2.7 (95% CI 1.2, 6.2), although this varied by race/ethnicity and education. The relationship was strongest among White and Hispanic women with less than a high school education: OR=13.8, (95% CI 3.0, 62.7) and OR=19.0 (95% CI 2.4, 149.2), respectively. Conclusions: Pre-pregnancy Medicaid coverage appears to be associated with early initiation of prenatal care. Almost a decade after welfare reform, it is essential to preserve the Medicaid expansions for pregnant women, foster Medicaid family planning waivers, and promote access to primary care and early prenatal care, particularly for very low-income women.     

Provider Advice About Pregnancy Weight Gain and Adequacy of Weight Gain

To explore the association between health care provider advice about weight gain and gestational weight gain. Using data from a prospective cohort study, we explored the association between provider advice about weight gain in pregnancy with weight gain adequacy among 1,454 pregnant women. Provider advice was measured by maternal self-report at 27–30 weeks’ gestation. Linear and Poisson regression were used to explore associations. Seventy-eight percent of the women gained outside current recommendations. Fifty-one percent reported receiving weight gain advice from a health care provider. Adjusted Generalized Linear Model (GLM) estimates showed weak effect of provider advice on inadequate or excessive gain (Relative Risk (RR) 0.96, 95% CI 0.74, 1.26 for inadequate gain and RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.97, 1.06 for excessive gain). There is a need for more women to hear about their targeted weight gains during pregnancy and the present advice that exists does little to influence actual gains. Further studies are warranted to find better strategies for providers to motivate their patients to gain weight within the appropriate ranges.     

孕前超重、孕期过度增重与巨大儿发生风险的前瞻性队列研究

目的 探讨巨大儿发生与孕前超重、孕期过度增重的直接关联及关联强度。方法 2015年1月起在上海市浦东新区妇幼保健院建立孕妇队列,创建孕妇健康档案,收集孕期及分娩信息,包括一般人口学特征、孕前体重、孕期增重、分娩体重、孕期健康状况及各种孕期并发症、分娩情况等,计算孕前BMI及孕期增重,收集新生儿出生体重,了解巨大儿发生与孕前超重、孕期过度增重之间的关系。结果 巨大儿发生率为6.6%（149/2 243）。不同孕前BMI组巨大儿发生率差异有统计学意义（P=0.001）。在控制了孕妇年龄、孕产史等因素后,logistic回归分析结果显示,与孕前BMI适宜的孕妇比,孕前BMI超重以及肥胖的孕妇生产巨大儿的风险均增加（OR=3.12,95%CI：1.35~7.22,P=0.008; OR=2.99,95%CI：1.17~7.63,P=0.022）。不同孕期增重组巨大儿发生率差异有统计学意义（P=0.002）。在控制了孕妇年龄、孕产史、孕期并发症等因素后,logistic回归分析结果显示,与孕期增重适宜的孕妇比,孕期增重不足的孕妇生产巨大儿的风险降低（OR=0.52,95%CI：0.30~0.90,P=0.019）。而孕期过度增重在调整了各种孕期指标后,与孕期增重适宜的孕妇比,巨大儿发生风险差异有统计学意义（OR=1.41,95%CI：0.96~2.09,P=0.084）。结论 孕前超重或肥胖是巨大儿发生的风险因素。     

Vitamin D status and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy

PurposeSeveral studies have reported increased risk of preeclampsia when 25-hyrdoxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels are low. The extent to which 25(OH)D may lower risk for hypertensive disorder during pregnancy remains unclear.MethodsAmong women enrolled in the Project Viva prenatal cohort in Massachusetts, we examined associations of 25(OH)D levels obtained at 16.4–36.9 weeks of gestation (mean 27.9 weeks) with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia (56/1591, 3.5%) and gestational hypertension (109/1591, 6.9%).ResultsWe did not detect an association between plasma 25(OH)D concentration (mean 58, standard deviation 22 nmol/L) and preeclampsia. For each 25 nmol/L increase in 25(OH)D, the adjusted odds ratio for preeclampsia was 1.14 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–1.67). By contrast and contrary to hypothesis, higher 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with higher odds of gestational hypertension: adjusted odds ratio for gestational hypertension was 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.72) per each 25 nmol/L increment in 25(OH)D. Vitamin D intake patterns suggest that this association was not because of reverse causation. Although the elevated hypertension risk may be due to chance, randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should monitor for gestational hypertension.ConclusionsThese data do not support the hypothesis that higher 25(OH)D levels lower the overall risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.     

Adequacy of prenatal care as a major determinant of folic acid, iron, and vitamin intake during pregnancy

This study aimed to quantify the association between adequacy of prenatal care and prevalence of folic acid, iron, and multivitamin intake during pregnancy. Data were obtained on socio-demographics, prenatal care, pregnancy complications, and use of vitamin/mineral supplements for 836 women, using a postpartum interview. Associations with the use of vitamin/mineral supplements were quantified with risk ratios (RR), computed by generalized binomial regression. A high proportion of women reported the use of folic acid (81.9%), iron (55.4%), and multivitamins (76.2%) as supplements during pregnancy. Use of supplements was independently associated with adequacy of prenatal care (adequate vs. inadequate: folic acid, RR = 2.28; 95%CI: 1.58-3.29; iron, RR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.57-2.52, multivitamins, RR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.54-2.51). Higher schooling was also associated with increased use of folic acid (RR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.18-1.70), but not multivitamins (RR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.77-0.98). Use of folic acid was less prevalent in single women (RR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.48-0.95) and during unplanned pregnancies (RR = 0.81; 95%CI: 0.71-0.92). Adequacy of prenatal care is a major determinant of vitamin/mineral intake during pregnancy.     

Birth outcomes among women with congenital neuromuscular disabilities

BackgroundWomen with disabilities are at an increased risk for adverse birth outcomes; however, research among women with congenital neuromuscular disabilities (cNMD) is limited.ObjectiveTo describe characteristics and compare birth outcomes among women with and without cNMD.MethodsData were from the Slone Birth Defects Study (case-control, conducted from 1976 to 2015), which collected information on demographic, reproductive, and lifestyle characteristics. cNMD included spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, contractures, or arthrogryposis and were identified by participant report. Those with cNMD were matched to participants without cNMD by interview year and study site. We use modified Poisson regression to estimate relative risks (RR) for low birthweight, macrosomia, preterm birth, and small/large-for-gestational age (SGA/LGA). Given the case-control design and overrepresentation of infants with congenital anomalies, data were weighted to reflect a 3% national prevalence of infants with congenital anomalies.ResultsWomen with cNMD (n = 125) were more likely to be white, nulliparous, have a cesarean section, have an unplanned pregnancy, report a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m², smoke during pregnancy, and report genitourinary infections. Women with cNMD had infants with shorter gestational length (mean difference: ?7.44 days, 95% CI: ?13.94, ?0.95) compared to women without cNMD. cNMD was associated with higher risk of preterm birth (RR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.33, 11.95) and SGA (RR = 2.14, 95% CI: 0.74, 6.15).ConclusionWomen with cNMD were more likely to deliver preterm and have an SGA infant. These findings highlight disparities faced by women with cNMD and stress the need to provide optimal perinatal and reproductive care.