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Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus affect body composition through infancy: the PONCH study

Ulrika K Andersson-Hall1, Evelina A J Järvinen2, Marja H Bosaeus2

  • 1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. ulrika.andersson.hall@gu.se.

Pediatric Research
|February 2, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increase infant adiposity, particularly in girls. Glycaemia is more influential than maternal weight in GDM pregnancies for infant body fat.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are significant public health concerns.
  • Understanding their impact on infant development is crucial for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of maternal obesity and GDM on infant body size and composition.
  • To determine the influence of maternal metabolic factors on infant adiposity during the first year of life.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving normal-weight, obese, and GDM pregnant women.
  • Infant body composition assessed via air-displacement plethysmography at 1 and 12 weeks.
  • Anthropometric measurements collected up to 1 year of age.

Main Results:

  • Infants born to obese mothers or mothers with GDM exhibited higher body fat percentage, especially girls.
  • Maternal HbA1c and fasting glucose levels correlated with higher infant body fat in girls.
  • Obese group infants showed greater BMI increases compared to normal-weight and GDM groups.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal hyperglycemia and obesity are key determinants of increased early-life adiposity in infants.
  • These effects are more pronounced in female infants, with glycaemic control being a critical factor.
  • Findings highlight the importance of managing maternal metabolic health for optimal infant development.
Abstract

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