Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C
Published on: March 25, 2016
[Association between both maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index/gestational weight gain and overweight/obesity
1Department of Child Health Care, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China.
Insights
Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and excessive gestational weight gain increase childhood overweight risk. Managing weight during pregnancy is crucial for preventing childhood obesity and promoting healthier offspring development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are critical factors influencing childhood health outcomes.
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern with long-term health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG and the risk of overweight and adiposity in preschool children.
- To investigate the combined effects of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG on childhood weight status.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 4,303 preschool children aged 3-5 years in Guangzhou.
- Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI assessed using China Adult Reference criteria; GWG evaluated by Institute of Medicine guidelines.
- Logistic regression and analysis of covariance used to adjust for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity significantly increased the risk of childhood overweight/obesity (OR=1.820).
- Excessive GWG was associated with higher childhood BMI z-scores and increased risk of overweight/obesity (OR=1.296).
- The combination of high pre-pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG showed a synergistic adverse effect on childhood weight status (OR=1.574).
Conclusions:
- Both high maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and inappropriate GWG are independently associated with increased offspring BMI.
- Adherence to appropriate weight gain programs during pregnancy is essential for preventing childhood overweight and obesity.
- Interventions targeting maternal weight management before and during pregnancy can mitigate risks for childhood adiposity.
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the association of both maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with childhood overweight and adiposity in preschool children. Methods: A total of 4 303 preschool children aged 3-5 years were enrolled in our study during June and November 2016 in Guangzhou. Children defined as overweight and obesity were according to the criteria of WHO while weight status during maternal pre-pregnancy was using the China Adult Reference. Gestational weight gain was defined according to the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Results: After adjusting the possible confounding factors, results from the logistic regression analysis showed that both maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity would increase the risk for both childhood overweight and obesity (OR=1.820, 95%CI: 1.368-2.422). The analysis of covariance results also showed that both maternal overweight and obesity before pregnancy and excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy increased the BMI Z-score in children. Maternal GWG over the recommended level were associated with both the childhood overweight and obesity (OR=1.296, 95%CI: 1.007-1.667). Joint associations of pre-pregnancy BMI and inappropriate GWG were also noticed in the study. Stratified analysis was conducted in three groups according to the pre-pregnancy BMI of the mothers. Result showed that there was no statistical difference in the risks of either overweight or obesity in children (P>0.05). However, when compared to mothers with adequate pre-pregnancy higher BMI and adequate GWG, under the combination of high pre-pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG, their adverse effects on childhood overweight and obesity were much higher (OR=1.574, 95%CI: 1.029-2.409). Conclusions: Both high pre-pregnancy BMI and inappropriate GWG were associated with greater BMI of their offspring. Pregnant women should follow the appropriate weight gain program and help their children to prevent from becoming obese.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
07:13Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic Poly(I:C)
06:55Assessment of Maternal Vascular Remodeling During Pregnancy in the Mouse Uterus
06:39Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
11:44A Primary Human Trophoblast Model to Study the Effect of Inflammation Associated with Maternal Obesity on Regulation of Autophagy in the Placenta
14:15Measurement Of Neuromagnetic Brain Function In Pre-school Children With Custom Sized MEG
15:42Toddler and Preschool Child Exam
The key to a successful exam of a toddler or preschool-age child is building rapport and trust between them and the provider. Toddlers, in particular, may be wary of strangers and unwilling to cooperate with the physical exam, which is expected age-appropriate behavior. In order to provide good care and create a comfortable patient experience, clinicians need to tailor their interaction to the child's developmental...