Influence of maternal metabolism on neonate eating behaviour

Perinatal maternal metabolism influences metabolic control in the offspring, but its impact on food intake in neonates is not known. We investigated whether ingestive behaviour in the first days of life is modulated by maternal BMI, maternal weight gain during pregnancy and by gestational diabetes (GD). Two weeks after birth, mothers of 21 neonates measured neonate food intake by weighing breast-fed babies before and after feeding, or directly in bottle-fed babies. They also filled in the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (BEBQ). We compared results between groups defined by preconceptual BMI, by pregnancy-related body weight gain according to Institute of Medicine guidelines and by GD diagnosis, and performed supplementary stepwise regression analyses. Birth weight was generally comparable between maternal groups and averaged 3450 g. BEBQ 'food responsiveness' was rated higher in neonates born to females with increased vs. reduced weight gain during pregnancy; weight gain in the second trimester of pregnancy was of particular relevance for this pattern. Neonates born to mothers with recommended weight gain displayed increased 'satiety responsiveness' compared to neonates of mothers with increased or reduced weight gain. BEBQ 'slowness in eating' was rated higher by mothers with increased vs. those with recommended weight gain in the second trimester and tended to be increased in neonates born to mothers with GD. Eating protocols supported the latter finding but in general did not yield significant group differences. We conclude that dysregulation of maternal metabolism during pregnancy may predispose neonates to dysfunctional eating behaviour at a very early age, with potential ramifications for subsequent body weight trajectories.