Gestational weight loss has adverse effects on placental development

Abstract

Objective: To clarify whether mothers with gestational weight loss (GWL) were likely to have adverse effects on the placenta. Study design: Subjects who delivered viable singleton infants after 24 weeks of gestation were enrolled. A retrospective analysis to evaluate cases of GWL in association with the findings of the placenta and amniotic membrane after delivery was conducted. After consideration of confounders, a case–control study with matched pairs (1:2) was performed. Results: Of all subjects (5551 cases), 83 cases (1.5%) with GWL were found. Since the pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in cases, 166 controls with a matched BMI were selected. The neonatal birth weights, placental weights and the umbilical cord length in cases were significantly smaller than in controls (p < 0.05). Preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA) infants were more frequently observed in cases compared with controls [odds ratio (OR) 6.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.3, 12.1, OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.9, 9.9]. pPROM were observed in 10.8% of the cases and 1.8% of the control (OR 6.6; 95% CI 1.7, 25.1). However, the frequencies of chorioamnionitis and the cervical length at second trimester were not different between the two groups. Conclusion: GWL is associated with SGA, small placenta, short umbilical cord length, preterm delivery and pPROM.

Keywords::

• Amniotic membrane
• gestational weight loss
• maternal body mass index
• placenta
• preterm premature rupture of the membranes

Acknowledgements

J. Hasegawa, M. Nakamura, A. Sekizawa and T. Okai were responsible for the study design. J. Hasegawa, A. Okuyama, S. Hamada, M. Nakamura, R. Matsuoka, and K. Ichizuka collected, analyzed and interpreted the data. J. Hasegawa, A. Sekizawa and T. Okai drafted the manuscript. J. Hasegawa performed the statistical analyses. This study was approved by the ethics board of our institution. The study was a retrospective analysis based on clinical records. The confidentiality of the patients involved was protected, and no personal data were needed for the present study.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.