Maternal preconception BMI and gestational weight gain are associated with weight retention and maternal and child body fat at 6-7 years postpartum in the PRECONCEPT cohort

BackgroundThere is limited evidence from prospective cohorts in low-resource settings on the long-term impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and maternal and child body composition. ObjectivesWe examined the associations between PPBMI and timing of GWG on PPWR at 1, 2, and 6-7 years and maternal and child percent body fat at 6-7 years. MethodsWe used data from the PRECONCEPT study (NCT01665378) that included prospectively collected data on 864 mother-child pairs from preconception through 6-7 years postpartum. The key outcomes were PPWR at 1, 2, and 6-7 years, and maternal and child percent body fat at 6-7 years that was measured using bioelectric impedance. Maternal conditional GWG (CGWG) was defined as window-specific weight gains (< 20wk, 21-29wk, and >= 30wk), uncorrelated with PPBMI and all prior body weights. PPBMI and CGWG were calculated as standardized z-scores to allow for relative comparisons of a 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in weight gain for each window. We used multivariable linear regressions to examine the associations, adjusting for baseline demographic characteristics, intervention, breastfeeding practices, diet and physical activity. ResultsMean (SD) PPBMI and GWG were 19.7 (2.1) kg/m(2) and 10.2 (4.0) kg, respectively. Average PPWR at 1, 2, and 6-7 years was 1.1, 1.5 and 4.3 kg, respectively. A one SD increase in PPBMI was associated with a decrease in PPWR at 1 year (beta [95% CI]: -0.21 [-0.37, -0.04]) and 2 years (-0.20 [-0.39, -0.01]); while a one SD in total CGWG was associated with an increase in PPWR at 1 year (1.01 [0.85,1.18]), 2 years (0.95 [0.76, 1.15]) and 6-7 years (1.05 [0.76, 1.34]). Early CGWG (< 20 weeks) had the greatest association with PPWR at each time point as well as with maternal (0.67 [0.07, 0.87]) and child (0.42 [0.15, 0.69]) percent body fat at 6-7 years. ConclusionMaternal nutrition before and during pregnancy may have long-term implications for PPWR and body composition. Interventions should consider targeting women preconception and early in pregnancy to optimize maternal and child health outcomes.

Automated summary

This study examined the long-term impact of pre-pregnancy body mass index (PPBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and maternal and child body composition. The results showed that PPBMI and early GWG (< 20 weeks) were significantly associated with PPWR and maternal and child percent body fat at age 6-7. The findings suggest that maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy can have long-term implications for PPWR and body composition, and interventions should focus on preconception and early pregnancy to optimize maternal and child health outcomes.