Urinary Metabolites during Pregnancy: A Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Metabolomics
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Urinary metabolites offer insights into maternal metabolic status and environmental exposures during pregnancy.
• Understanding these metabolites is crucial for monitoring pregnancy health and identifying potential risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current literature on urinary metabolite profiles in pregnant women.
• To examine associations between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), pregnancy trimester, and environmental exposures with urinary metabolite patterns.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was performed using PubMed and Web of Science databases.
• Studies included pregnant women (≥18 years) analyzing urinary metabolites in relation to prepregnancy BMI or gestational trimester.
• Environmental and dietary exposures were also considered in the analysis.

Main Results:

• Higher prepregnancy BMI was associated with altered urinary levels of amino acids and acylcarnitines, indicating metabolic disturbances.
• The third trimester showed distinct metabolite patterns, including elevated cortisol and steroid derivatives.
• Environmental factors like diet, phthalates, metals, and parabens correlated with specific urinary metabolite profiles.

Conclusions:

• Urinary metabolite analysis provides a valuable window into metabolic changes and environmental impacts during pregnancy.
• Distinct metabolite profiles are linked to prepregnancy BMI, gestational stage, and environmental exposures.
• Further research in diverse populations is essential for early risk detection and targeted prenatal interventions to enhance maternal and fetal well-being.