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1.
[Eating habits of pregnant Brazilian women: an integrative review of the literature].
Gomes, CB, Vasconcelos, LG, Cintra, RMGC, Dias, LCGD, Carvalhaes, MABL
Ciencia & saude coletiva. 2019;(6):2293-2306
Abstract
The eating habits of pregnant women are influenced by several factors, and it is essential to understand them in order to establish nutritional interventions in prenatal care. The objective of this integrative review was to analyze the bibliographic production on the eating habits of pregnant Brazilian women. A search was conducted in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases (SciELO) using the following key words: "Gestantes" or "Grávidas" and "Hábitos Alimentares" in Portuguese, and "Pregnant women" and "Eating habits" and "Brazil" in English. After the adoption of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 studies were analyzed. Some studies targeted specific populations such as adolescents or non-obese pregnant women. The Food Frequency Questionnaire was the instrument most often used to investigate food consumption among pregnant women. The majority of the studies revealed that the diet of pregnant women needs improvement, especially due to the low consumption of fruit, greens and vegetables, and the high consumption of sugar, sweets and fats. Most studies concluded and reinforced the importance and need for nutritional education by prenatal professionals. More studies are needed to better understand these eating habits.
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2.
Influence of aerobic exercise on maternal lipid levels and offspring morphometrics.
Clark, E, Isler, C, Strickland, D, McMillan, AG, Fang, X, Kuehn, D, Ravisankar, S, Strom, C, May, LE
International journal of obesity (2005). 2019;(3):594-602
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal BMI, lipid levels (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL), and exercise amount are interrelated and each influence offspring body size. This study proposed to determine the influence of exercise on maternal lipid levels and infant body size. METHODS We had 36 participants complete these measures. Participants in the aerobic exercise intervention (n = 14) completed three 50-min sessions weekly from 16 weeks gestation to delivery and were compared with a non-exercise control group (n = 22). Maternal lipid profiles were assessed at 16 and at 36 weeks gestation. Fetal body size was measured at 36 weeks gestational age using ultrasound assessment. Neonatal body size measures were acquired from birth records. Statistical analysis included two-sample t-tests, correlations, and regression models. RESULTS Participants were similar in age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gravida, parity, education, and gestational weight gain (GWG). There were no differences in gestational age, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min for infants of exercisers relative to controls. Exercisers had higher pre-training triglycerides (p = 0.004) and pregnancy change in triglycerides (p = 0.049) compared to controls. Head circumference was significantly larger in exercise exposed infants relative to infants of controls. Pregnancy METs had a positive relationship with birth length (r = .445, p = .006) and birth weight (r = .391, p = .02). GWG had a moderate, positive relationship with fetal abdominal circumference (r = .570, p = .004). Regression analysis indicated 5 predictors explained 61.7% of the variance in birth weight (Adj.R2 = 0.469, F(5,13) = 5,13, p = 0.02); it was found that pregnancy METs (β = .724, p = .007), 36 week cholesterol (β = 1.066, p = .02), and 36 week LDL (β = -1.267, p = .006) significantly predict birth weight. Regression analysis indicated 4 predictors explained 43.8% of the variance in birth length (Adj.R2 = 0.306, F(4,17) = 3.32, p = 0.04); it was found that pregnancy METs (β = .530, p = .03), and 36 week LDL (β = -.891, p = .049) significantly predict birth length. CONCLUSION The primary association and predictors of infant body size was related to pregnancy exercise and late pregnancy cholesterol and LDL levels. Considering these relationships, it is essential that women maintain aerobic exercise during pregnancy, but should also be cognizant of lipid levels during their pregnancy. Therefore intervention during pregnancy focused on infant body size should involve exercise and and quality nutritional intake foods during pregnancy.
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3.
Effects of a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in routine care - the cluster-randomised GeliS trial.
Kunath, J, Günther, J, Rauh, K, Hoffmann, J, Stecher, L, Rosenfeld, E, Kick, L, Ulm, K, Hauner, H
BMC medicine. 2019;(1):5
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) leads to obstetric complications, maternal postpartum weight retention and an increased risk of offspring obesity. The GeliS study examines the effect of a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy on the proportion of women with excessive GWG and pregnancy and obstetric complications, as well as the long-term risk of maternal and infant obesity. METHODS The GeliS study is a cluster-randomised multicentre controlled trial including 2286 women with a pre-pregnancy BMI between 18.5 and 40.0 kg/m2 recruited from gynaecological and midwifery practices prior to the end of the 12th week of gestation in five Bavarian regions. In the intervention regions, four lifestyle counselling sessions covering a balanced healthy diet, regular physical activity and self-monitoring of weight gain were performed by trained healthcare providers alongside routine pre- and postnatal practice visits. In the control regions, leaflets with general recommendations for a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy were provided. RESULTS The intervention did not result in a significant reduction of women showing excessive GWG (adjusted OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.66-1.38, p = 0.789), with 45.1% and 45.7% of women in the intervention and control groups, respectively, gaining weight above the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 10.8% and 11.1% of women in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p = 0.622). Mean birth weight and length were slightly lower in the intervention group (3313 ± 536 g vs. 3363 ± 498 g, p = 0.020; 51.1 ± 2.7 cm vs. 51.6 ± 2.5 cm, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION In the setting of routine prenatal care, lifestyle advice given by trained healthcare providers was not successful in limiting GWG and pregnancy complications. Nevertheless, the potential long-term effects of the intervention remain to be assessed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01958307 , ClinicalTrials.gov, retrospectively registered October 9, 2013.
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4.
Excessive Gestational Weight Gain.
McDowell, M, Cain, MA, Brumley, J
Journal of midwifery & women's health. 2019;(1):46-54
Abstract
Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with an increasing incidence of maternal and neonatal complications, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal macrosomia, and increased cesarean birth rates. In the United States, it is recommended that health care providers use an individualized approach to counsel a woman about pregnancy weight gain goals that is based on the woman's initial body mass index (BMI) and to track GWG throughout the pregnancy by evaluating maternal weight at each visit. Studies have shown that women entering pregnancy with a higher BMI are at increased risk for excessive GWG and postpartum weight retention. Research also demonstrates an increased risk of childhood obesity in children born to women with excessive GWG. Specific counseling about exercise and diet, as well as technology and motivational interviewing, are some tools prenatal care providers can use that have been shown to be effective in reducing excessive GWG. This article reviews the current research regarding maternal and neonatal risks associated with excessive GWG, as well as the interventions that have demonstrated promise for addressing this problem.
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5.
Fasting plasma glucose and risk factor assessment: Comparing sensitivity and specificity in identifying gestational diabetes in urban black African women.
Dickson, LM, Buchmann, EJ, Janse van Rensburg, C, Norris, SA
South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde. 2019;(1):21-26
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) allows interventions to improve perinatal outcomes. A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level ≥5.1 mmol/L is 100% specific for a diagnosis of GDM. The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups acknowledges that FPG <4.5 mmol/L is associated with a low probability of GDM. OBJECTIVES The validity of selective screening based on the presence of risk factors was compared with the universal application of FPG ≥4.5 mmol/L to identify women with GDM. FPG ≥4.5 mmol/L or the presence of one or more risk factors was assumed to indicate an intermediate to high risk of GDM and therefore the need for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). METHODS Consecutive black South African (SA) women were recruited to a 2-hour 75 g OGTT at 24 - 28 weeks' gestation in an urban community health clinic. Of 969 women recruited, 666 underwent an OGTT, and of these 589 were eligible for analysis. The glucose oxidase laboratory method was used to measure plasma glucose concentrations. The World Health Organization GDM diagnostic criteria were applied. All participants underwent a risk factor assessment. The χ2 test was used to determine associations between risk factors and a positive diagnosis of GDM. The sensitivity and specificity of a positive diagnosis of GDM were calculated for FPG ≥4.5 mmol/L, FPG ≥5.1 mmol/L, and the presence of one or more risk factors. RESULTS The prevalence of overt diabetes mellitus and GDM was 0.5% and 7.0%, respectively. Risk factor-based selective screening indicated that 204/589 (34.6%) of participants needed an OGTT, but 18/41 (43.9%) of positive GDM diagnoses were missed. Universal screening using the FPG threshold of ≥4.5 mmol/L indicated that 152/589 (25.8%) of participants needed an OGTT, and 1/41 (2.4%) of positive diagnoses were missed. An FPG of ≥5.1 mmol/L identified 36/41 (87.8%) of GDM-positive participants. The sensitivity and specificity of the presence of one or more risk factors were 56% and 67%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of FPG ≥4.5 mmol/L were 98% and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Universal screening using FPG ≥4.5 mmol/L had greater sensitivity and specificity in identifying GDM-affected women and required fewer women to undergo a resource-intensive diagnostic OGTT than risk factor-based selective screening. A universal screening strategy using FPG ≥4.5 mmol/L may be more efficient and cost-effective than risk factor-based selective screening for GDM in black SA women.
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6.
Quality assessment indicators in antenatal care worldwide: a systematic review.
Morón-Duarte, LS, Ramirez Varela, A, Segura, O, Freitas da Silveira, M
International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care. 2019;(7):497-505
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe indicators used for the assessment of antenatal care (ANC) quality worldwide under the World Health Organization (WHO) framework and based on a systematic review of the literature. DATA SOURCES Searches were performed in MEDLINE, SciELO, BIREME and Web of Science for eligible studies published between January 2002 and September 2016. STUDY SELECTION Original articles describing women who had received ANC, any ANC model and, any ANC quality indicators were included. DATA EXTRACTION Publication date, study design and ANC process indicators were extracted. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS Of the total studies included, 69 evaluated at least one type of ANC process indicator. According to WHO ANC guidelines, 8.7% of the articles reported healthy eating counseling and 52.2% iron and folic acid supplementation. The evaluation indicators on maternal and fetal interventions were: syphilis testing (55.1%), HIV testing (47.8%), gestational diabetes mellitus screening (40.6%) and ultrasound (27.5%). Essential ANC activities assessment ranged from 26.1% report of fetal heart sound, 50.7% of maternal weight and 63.8% of blood pressure. Regarding preventive measures recommended by WHO, tetanus vaccine was reported in 60.9% of the articles. Interventions performed by health services to improve use and quality of ANC care, promotion of maternal and fetal health, and the number of visits to the ANC were evaluated in 65.2% of the studies. CONCLUSION Numerous ANC content indicators are being used to assess ANC quality. However, there is a need to use standardized indicators across countries and efforts to improve quality evaluation.
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7.
The role of the obstetrician in the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity.
Kindinger, LM, David, AL
Seminars in perinatology. 2019;(6):323-332
Abstract
This review underlines the important role that obstetricians play in the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity. Efforts predominately focus on predicting which pregnant women are at highest risk of preterm birth, instigating treatments to prevent pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and maternal infection which could lead to iatrogenic or spontaneous preterm birth, and optimizing care when preterm birth is inevitable. More broadly, optimizing maternal health pre-conception through stopping smoking, improving diet, reducing obesity with its associated gestational diabetes, and treating hypertension may reduce preterm birth and other pregnancy complications. This is a message that all healthcare professionals including obstetricians, neonatologists and GPs, nursing and midwifery staff need to communicate all women and men who are contemplating having a baby.
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8.
Mood and quality of life changes in pregnancy and postpartum and the effect of a behavioral intervention targeting excess gestational weight gain in women with overweight and obesity: a parallel-arm randomized controlled pilot trial.
Altazan, AD, Redman, LM, Burton, JH, Beyl, RA, Cain, LE, Sutton, EF, Martin, CK
BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2019;(1):50
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive lifestyle interventions in pregnancy have shown success in limiting gestational weight gain, but the effects on mood and quality of life in pregnancy and postpartum are less known. The purpose was to quantify changes in mental and physical quality of life and depressive symptoms across pregnancy and the postpartum period, to determine the association between gestational weight gain and change in mood and quality of life, and to assess the effect of a behavioral intervention targeting excess gestational weight gain on these outcomes. METHODS A three group parallel-arm randomized controlled pilot trial of 54 pregnant women who were overweight or obese was conducted to test whether the SmartMoms® intervention decreased the proportion of women with excess gestational weight gain. Individuals randomized to Usual Care (n = 17) did not receive any weight management services from interventionists. Individuals randomized to the SmartMoms® intervention (n = 37) were provided with behavioral weight management counseling by interventionists either in clinic (In-Person, n = 18) or remotely through a smartphone application (Phone, n = 19). In a subset of 43 women, mood and mental and physical quality of life were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Rand 12-Item short form, respectively, in early pregnancy, late pregnancy, 1-2 months postpartum, and 12 months postpartum. RESULTS The SmartMoms® intervention and Usual Care groups had higher depressive symptoms (p < 0.03 for SmartMoms® intervention, p < 0.01 for Usual Care) and decreased physical health (p < 0.01) from early to late pregnancy. Both groups returned to early pregnancy mood and physical quality of life postpartum. Mental health did not change from early to late pregnancy (p = 0.8), from early pregnancy to 1-2 months (p = 0.5), or from early pregnancy to 12 months postpartum (p = 0.9), respectively. There were no significant intervention effects. Higher gestational weight gain was associated with worsened mood and lower physical quality of life across pregnancy. CONCLUSION High depressive symptoms and poor quality of life may be interrelated with the incidence of excess gestational weight gain. The behavioral gestational weight gain intervention did not significantly impact these outcomes, but mood and quality of life should be considered within future interventions and clinical practice to effectively limit excess gestational weight gain. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01610752 , Expecting Success, Registered 31 May 2012.
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9.
Identification and Management of Neonatal Hypoglycemia in the Full-Term Infant. British Association of Perinatal Medicine Framework for Practice, 2017.
Hawdon, JM
Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association. 2019;(3):521-523
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10.
Prenatal iron containing supplements provided to Chinese women with no or mild anemia had no effect on hemoglobin concentration in post-partum women or their infants at 6 and 12 months of age.
Serdula, MK, Zhou, Y, Li, H, Liu, JM, Mei, Z
European journal of clinical nutrition. 2019;(11):1473-1479
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although prenatal iron-containing supplements have been associated with lower anemia prevalence in later pregnancy, few trials have examined the effect of supplements on the anemia status of post-partum women and their infants. OBJECTIVE We compared the effects of folic acid alone (FA), iron-folic acid (IFA) and multiple micronutrients (MMN) when provided to pregnant women with no or mild anemia on the hemoglobin levels of post-partum women and their infants at 6 and 12 months of age. We also examined the potential modifying effect of maternal hemoglobin concentration at enrollment. METHODS A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in China; 18,775 nulliparous women with a hemoglobin concentration > 100 g/L were randomly assigned to receive daily FA (400 μg); IFA (FA, Fe 30 mg), or MMN (FA, Fe and 13 micronutrients) from before 20 gestational weeks until delivery. RESULTS Compared with daily prenatal FA, supplementation with IFA or MMN did not affect the prevalence of anemia at 4-6 weeks post-partum (27.2%, 26.8%, and 26.3%, respectively). At 6 months of age, the anemia prevalence in infants was 6.9%, 6.7%, and 6.7%, respectively. Findings were similar at 12 months of age. Among both post-partum women and infants, findings were similar across all levels of hemoglobin at enrollment. CONCLUSIONS Compared to FA alone, prenatal IFA and MMN provided to women with no or mild anemia did not affect anemia in women post-partum or their infants regardless of baseline maternal hemoglobin concentration at enrollment.