Does the anogenital distance change across pregnancy?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Human Physiology
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Anogenital distance (AGD) is a biomarker of fetal androgen exposure.
• AGD is considered stable in adulthood and across the menstrual cycle.
• No studies have investigated AGD changes during pregnancy, a period of significant hormonal and anthropometric shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if anogenital distance (AGD) changes during pregnancy.
• To investigate the relationship between AGD, pregnancy trimesters, and body mass index (BMI).

Main Methods:

• A cohort study included 186 pregnant women measured across three trimesters.
• Anogenital distance (anterior clitoral surface to anus - AGD AC; posterior fourchette to anus - AGD AF) and BMI were recorded.
• Generalized linear models for repeated measures assessed changes in AGD and BMI.

Main Results:

• Crude analyses showed AGD AC increased significantly across trimesters (P < 0.001).
• AGD AF showed no significant changes throughout pregnancy.
• Multivariable models, including BMI, revealed no significant association between trimesters and AGD.

Conclusions:

• AGD AF and AGD AC, adjusted for BMI, remain stable during gestation.
• AGD AF is a reliable measurement throughout pregnancy, irrespective of BMI.
• Maternal AGD AF can serve as a prenatal biomarker for in utero hormonal exposure.