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Relative effects of postnatal rapid growth and maternal factors on early childhood growth trajectories

Miaobing Zheng1, Steven J Bowe2, Kylie D Hesketh1

  • 1Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|February 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Rapid infant growth and maternal factors like pre-pregnancy BMI and country of birth are linked to less favorable childhood growth trajectories, potentially increasing obesity risk. Understanding these factors is key for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Child Health
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is influenced by various postnatal and maternal factors, but their relative importance is not fully understood.
  • Early childhood growth trajectories are critical for long-term health outcomes.
  • Identifying key determinants of growth patterns is essential for effective obesity prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the relative impact of postnatal rapid growth and maternal factors on early childhood growth trajectories.
  • To determine the association between rapid infant growth and maternal characteristics with body mass index-for-age z-scores (BAZ) and height-for-age z-scores (HAZ).

Main Methods:

  • Secondary longitudinal analysis of pooled data from the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Program and InFANT Extend Program (n=977).
  • Collection of children's height and weight at multiple time points from birth to 42 months.
  • Utilized mixed-effect polynomial regression models to analyze body mass index-for-age z-scores (BAZ) and height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) trajectories and their determinants.

Main Results:

  • Rapid growth from birth to 3 months, maternal Australian birth, and pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were independently associated with higher BAZ from 3 to 42 months.
  • Children with rapid early growth showed increased height-for-age z-score (HAZ) growth but had smaller average HAZ compared to those without rapid growth.
  • Maternal height influenced children's HAZ, with taller mothers having children with higher HAZ.

Conclusions:

  • Rapid infant growth, maternal Australian birth, and pre-pregnancy maternal overweight/obesity are linked to less favorable early childhood growth trajectories.
  • These factors may predispose children to the development of future obesity.
  • Early identification of these risk factors can inform targeted interventions for childhood obesity prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
InFANT programdeterminantsgrowthinfantmaternaltrajectory

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