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Published on: August 2, 2017
Fetal growth is associated with maternal fasting plasma glucose at first prenatal visit
Bin Liu1, Haitian Chen1, Yun Xu2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Insights
Fasting plasma glucose levels during early pregnancy are linked to fetal growth, specifically birth weight and length. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and weight gain also influence glucose metabolism and gestational diabetes risk.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at the first prenatal visit is a known predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
- The association between early pregnancy FPG levels and fetal growth parameters, such as birth weight and length, remains less understood.
- Understanding these relationships can inform clinical practice and improve perinatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels measured at the first prenatal visit and fetal growth indicators, specifically birth weight and birth length.
- To explore the association of FPG with neonatal Ponderal Index and birthing method.
- To identify factors related to GDM, including FPG, maternal pre-gravid BMI, and weight gain.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 2284 pregnant women was analyzed, including those with GDM (n=462) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (n=1822).
- Data collected included FPG, maternal pre-gravid BMI, weight gain, birth weight, birth length, Ponderal Index, and birthing method.
- Statistical analyses employed independent sample t tests, Pearson correlations, Chi-square tests, partial correlations, and logistic regression, with a significance level of α = 0.05.
Main Results:
- FPG concentration at the first prenatal visit was significantly associated with neonatal birth weight (r=0.089, P<0.001) and birth length (r=0.061, P=0.005).
- No significant association was found between FPG and Ponderal Index or birthing method.
- Maternal pre-gravid BMI was associated with FPG (r=0.113, P<0.001).
- Independent predictors of GDM included FPG concentration (OR=2.945, P<0.001), weight gain before OGTT (OR=1.039, P=0.010), and maternal age (OR=1.107, P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Fasting plasma glucose levels in early pregnancy are associated with fetal growth parameters, including birth weight and length.
- Maternal pre-gravid BMI and weight gain are significant factors related to glucose metabolism during pregnancy.
- These findings highlight the importance of early glucose screening in predicting fetal growth and GDM risk.
Aims:
Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentration measured at the first prenatal visit is a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, whether this test is indicative of fetal growth has not been clarified. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether birth weight and birth length were related to FPG levels at the first prenatal visit.
Materials And Methods:
Research samples were collected from pregnant women who took an FPG test at their first prenatal visit (10-24 gestational weeks), received regular prenatal care, and delivered in our center. FPG value, maternal pre-gravid BMI, weight gain before FPG test, before and after Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), neonatal birthweight, birth length, Ponderal Index and birthing method were recorded for analysis. Data were analyzed by independent sample t test, Pearson correlation, and Chi-square test, followed by partial correlation or logistic regression to confirm differences. Statistical significance level was α = 0.05.
Results:
2284 pregnant women, including 462 GDM and 1822 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were recruited for the present study. FPG concentration at the first prenatal visit was associated with neonatal birth weight (partial correlation coefficient r' = 0.089, P<0.001) and birth length (partial correlation coefficient r' = 0.061, P = 0.005), but not with Ponderal Index or birthing method. Maternal pre-gravid BMI was associated with FPG value (partial correlation coefficient r' = 0.113, P<0.001). FPG concentration at the first prenatal visit (OR = 2.945, P<0.001), weight gain before OGTT test (OR = 1.039, P = 0.010), and age (OR = 1.107, P<0.001) were independent related factors of GDM.
Conclusion:
Fasting plasma glucose concentration at the first prenatal visit is associated with fetal growth. Maternal pre-gravid BMI and weight gain are related to glucose metabolism.
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