Changes in maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat layers using ultrasound: A longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Health
• Pregnancy Research

Background:

• Subcutaneous fat (SF) is an endocrine organ with superficial (SSAT) and deep (DSAT) layers.
• These layers possess distinct histological and metabolic functions.
• Maternal adiposity impacts pregnancy outcomes and postpartum health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine longitudinal changes in maternal abdominal SF thickness and its layers.
• To compare these changes across different body mass index (BMI) categories during pregnancy and postpartum.
• To investigate the dynamic interplay between SF layers and maternal metabolic status.

Main Methods:

• A prospective longitudinal study involving 214 women.
• Abdominal SF thickness, SSAT, and DSAT were measured using ultrasound at multiple gestational points and postpartum.
• Calculated the deep to superficial SF ratio (D/S) and analyzed changes relative to baseline and BMI.

Main Results:

• Superficial SF thickness (SFT) and SSAT decreased in overweight and obese women during pregnancy, while remaining stable in normal-weight women.
• All BMI categories showed an increase in SFT and SSAT postpartum.
• Deep SF (DSAT) decreased in obese and overweight groups but increased in normal-weight women, with varying D/S ratio dynamics across groups.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist in the distribution and mobilization of SSAT and DSAT during pregnancy across BMI categories.
• These findings highlight the dynamic nature of abdominal fat compartments in relation to maternal weight status.
• Understanding pregnancy-related fat mobilization is crucial for addressing obesity complications.