Changes in adipose tissue distribution during pregnancy estimated by ultrasonography

To investigate changes in adipose tissue distribution using ultrasonography of the subcutaneous and preperitoneal adipose tissue during pregnancy.

The sample included 400 pregnant women. The research was prospective and statistically designed as a controlled observation using a random sampling method. The adipose tissue was estimated by ultrasonography, five times during the pregnancy. The minimal thickness of the subcutaneous (Smin) and maximal thickness of the preperitoneal (Pmax) was obtained using the Suzuki method. Analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post hoc test for multiple comparisons were calculated.

Smin values have a decreasing trend, while Pmax values have an increasing trend, independent of the body mass index. No statistically significant differences in Smin and Pmax have been noted for the observed week intervals until the 20th pregnanacy week. Smin values for the week intervals 12 and 16, as well as for the Pmax week intervals 12, 16, and 20, were statistically significantly different when compared with the values obtained for the week intervals 32 and 37 (p < 0.05). No difference has been observed between nulliparous and multiparous pregnancies.

The adipose tissue distribution during pregnancy shows a tendency towards a decreased accumulation of subcutaneous and increased accumulation of preperitoneal adipose tissue.