The impact of maternal glycemia and obesity on early postnatal growth in a non-diabetic Caucasian population

Abstract

Abstract Objective. Offspring of mothers with diabetes have increased birthweight and higher rates of obesity in early childhood. The relative role of maternal glycaemia and maternal obesity is uncertain. We therefore studied the impact of maternal glycaemia and maternal obesity on offspring birth measures, and early postnatal growth in non diabetic pregnancies.

Abstract Research Design and Methods. We studied 547 full term, singleton babies of non-diabetic parents. Data available included: parental height and weight, maternal pre-pregnant weight, maternal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 28 weeks gestation, offspring weight and length, at birth, 12 weeks, 1 year and 2 years of age. Relationships between parental and offspring measures were estimated using Pearson correlations.

Abstract Results. Maternal FPG was correlated with offspring birthweight(r=0.25, p<0.001), length (r=0.17, p<0.001), and BMI (r=0.2, p<0.001) but was not correlated with offspring growth at 12 weeks. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly correlated with offspring weight (r=0.26, p<0.001), length (r=0.12, p=0.01) and BMI at birth (r=0.26, p<0.001), and remained correlated with offspring weight (r=0.13-0.14, p=0.007-0.002) and BMI (r=0.14-0.19 p=0.002-<0.001) during the first two years. Paternal BMI was correlated with offspring weight from 12 weeks onwards (r=0.11-0.22, p=0.017-<0.001), length (r=0.10-0.12, p=o.01-0.05) and BMI from 1 year (r=0.16-0.25, p=<0.001).

Abstract Conclusion. In a non diabetic cohort, the effect of maternal glycaemia on birthweight is transitory, while the impact on growth of maternal BMI continues into early childhood. The independent association of paternal BMI with offspring postnatal growth suggests the impact of parental BMI could be explained by genetic factors, shared environment or both.