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Effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on infant anthropometric outcomes

Andrea L Deierlein1, Anna Maria Siega-Riz, Linda S Adair

  • 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|September 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) significantly impact infant growth. Higher maternal BMI and excessive GWG are linked to increased infant weight and length at six months.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal and child health
  • Human growth and development
  • Nutritional epidemiology

Background:

  • Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are critical factors influencing pregnancy outcomes.
  • Understanding their impact on infant postnatal growth is essential for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG with infant anthropometric outcomes at approximately six months of age.
  • To determine if maternal weight status and GWG influence infant weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from a prospective pregnancy cohort (Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition study).
  • Inclusion of term infants with anthropometric measurements at ~6 months (n=363).
  • Multivariable regression models used to assess associations between maternal exposures and infant z-scores.

Main Results:

  • Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with higher infant WAZ and WLZ.
  • Excessive GWG was linked to increased WAZ and LAZ in infants.
  • Significantly higher WAZ, LAZ, and WLZ were observed with GWG exceeding 200% of recommended amounts.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG are significant, modifiable intrauterine factors affecting infant postnatal growth.
  • These findings highlight the importance of managing maternal weight before and during pregnancy for optimal infant development.
Abstract

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