Pre-pregnancy BMI but not mild stress directly influences Interleukin-6 levels and insulin sensitivity during late pregnancy

Background: This study investigates the influence of maternal stress during pregnancy on maternal insulin sensitivity and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in pregnant women (N = 277) in dependence of pre-pregnancy Body-Mass-Index (BMI). Methods: Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 80 women. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D) to investigate maternal stress during pregnancy with a higher scoring indicating higher maternal stress level. IL-6 and cortisol were measured and maternal insulin sensitivity was assessed with the non-esterified fatty acid insulin sensitivity index (NEFA-ISI). Generalized Linear Model analysis was used to analyze effects within different stress groups. Results: Maternal low stress symptoms during pregnancy showed no significant association with maternal insulin sensitivity or IL-6. Higher cortisol levels during pregnancy were associated with elevated IL-6 concentrations. Pre-pregnancy BMI had the strongest positive effect on IL-6 levels and was negatively associated with insulin sensitivity during pregnancy. Conclusions: Therefore, preconceptional interventions to reduce BMI are needed to improve maternal metabolism during pregnancy.

Automated summary

The study found that low stress symptoms during pregnancy were not significantly associated with maternal insulin sensitivity and IL-6 levels, while higher cortisol levels during pregnancy were related to elevated IL-6 concentrations. Additionally, pre-pregnancy BMI had a strong impact on IL-6 levels and was negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity during pregnancy.