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Gestational weight loss has adverse effects on placental development
Junichi Hasegawa1, Masamitsu Nakamura, Shoko Hamada
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. hasejun@oak.dti.ne.jp
Summary
Gestational weight loss (GWL) in mothers is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. GWL is associated with smaller placentas, shorter umbilical cords, preterm birth, and small for gestational age infants.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neonatology
Background:
- Gestational weight loss (GWL) is uncommon but may impact fetal development.
- Understanding the placental and neonatal effects of GWL is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gestational weight loss (GWL) and adverse placental and neonatal outcomes.
- To evaluate the relationship between GWL and fetal growth, delivery timing, and membrane integrity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 5551 deliveries, identifying 83 cases (1.5%) with GWL.
- A case-control study with matched pairs (1:2) based on pre-pregnancy BMI was conducted.
- Evaluation of placental weight, umbilical cord length, and neonatal outcomes including preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA) infants, and preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM).
Main Results:
- Mothers with GWL had significantly smaller neonatal birth weights, placental weights, and umbilical cord lengths compared to controls.
- GWL was associated with increased odds of preterm delivery (OR 6.3) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants (OR 4.3).
- Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) occurred more frequently in the GWL group (10.8% vs 1.8%).
Conclusions:
- Gestational weight loss (GWL) is significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- These outcomes include smaller placental size, shorter umbilical cord length, increased risk of preterm delivery, and delivery of small for gestational age (SGA) infants.
- GWL is also linked to a higher incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM).
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