Multiparity as a Key Variable in Metabolism and Pregnancy Research.
Tracy K Her1, V L Pszczolkowski1, Grace Chung1
1Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, 55455.
Current Opinion in Physiology
|April 1, 2026
Summary
Multiparity, or multiple pregnancies, impacts maternal and offspring health by disrupting metabolic processes and increasing pregnancy complication risks. This review explores multiparity's effects on reproduction, maternal-fetal programming, and long-term health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and metabolic health.
Background:
- Parity, defined as pregnancies reaching ≥20 weeks gestation, is crucial in metabolic studies.
- Multiparity is linked to reproduction, maternal-fetal programming, and maternal/offspring health.
- Existing research suggests multiparity may elevate risks for complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on multiparity's effects.
- To examine impacts on pregnancy outcomes, maternal health, and offspring health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on parity and health outcomes.
- Analysis of data from both rodent and human models.
Main Results:
- Multiparity disrupts glucose homeostasis.
- It decreases pancreatic beta-cell proliferation.
- Cardiac hemodynamics and gut microbiome composition are altered by multiparity.
Conclusions:
- Multiparity significantly impacts maternal and offspring metabolic health.
- Understanding these effects is vital for managing pregnancy complications and long-term health.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and long-term consequences.
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