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12 pages, 428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Large for Gestational Age and Risk for Academic Delays and Learning Disabilities: Assessing Modification by Maternal Obesity and Diabetes

by Kathleen O’Connor Duffany, Katharine H. McVeigh, Heather S. Lipkind, Trace S. Kershaw and Jeannette R. Ickovics

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155473 - 29 Jul 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine academic delays for children born large for gestational age (LGA) and assess effect modification by maternal obesity and diabetes and then to characterize risks for LGA for those with a mediating condition. Cohort data were [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to examine academic delays for children born large for gestational age (LGA) and assess effect modification by maternal obesity and diabetes and then to characterize risks for LGA for those with a mediating condition. Cohort data were obtained from the New York City Longitudinal Study of Early Development, linking birth and educational records (n = 125,542). Logistic regression was used to compare children born LGA (>90th percentile) to those born appropriate weight (5–89th percentile) for risk of not meeting proficiency on assessments in the third grade and being referred to special education. Among children of women with gestational diabetes, children born LGA had an increased risk of underperforming in mathematics (ARR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.07–1.31)) and for being referred for special education (ARR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.02–1.37)). Children born LGA but of women who did not have gestational diabetes had a slightly decreased risk of academic underperformance (mathematics-ARR: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90–0.97); Language arts-ARR: 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.99)). Children born to women with gestational diabetes with an inadequate number of prenatal care visits were at increased risk of being born LGA, compared to those receiving extensive care (ARR: 1.67 (95% CI: 1.20–2.33)). Children born LGA of women with diabetes were at increased risk of delays; greater utilization of prenatal care among these diabetic women may decrease the incidence of LGA births. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

15 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Lack of Social Support from Partner or Others and Postpartum Depression among Japanese Mothers: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

by Akito Yamada, Aya Isumi and Takeo Fujiwara

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4270; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124270 - 15 Jun 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4429

Abstract

Lack of social support is a known risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD). However, the association between lack of social support from a partner or others and PPD remains unknown. We examined this association among Japanese mothers. We distributed an original questionnaire to [...] Read more.

Lack of social support is a known risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD). However, the association between lack of social support from a partner or others and PPD remains unknown. We examined this association among Japanese mothers. We distributed an original questionnaire to mothers participating in a three- or four-month health check-up program over October to November 2012 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Of the 9707 eligible mothers, 6590 responded to the questionnaire (response rate: 68%). Social support from a partner or others was assessed based on whether the mother can consult with her partner or others (i.e., parents, relatives, and friends who are close by or far) on childcare. PPD was assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis for four categories: no social support from either a partner/others, social support from a partner only, social support from others only, and social support from both, adjusted for possible covariates. Mothers who have no social support from either a partner/others, have social support from a partner only, and have social support from others only were 7.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76–29.6), 2.34 (95% CI, 1.37–3.98), and 3.13 (95% CI, 2.11–4.63) times more likely to show PPD, respectively, in comparison with mothers who have social support from both, after adjustment of possible covariates. Mothers with no social support from a partner, but have social support from others, showed significant risk for PPD, which may be invisible. Further prevention effort is needed to detect PPD cases, with a focus on mothers without support from their partner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

9 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gestational Hypertension as Risk Factor of Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Women

by Mariko Watanabe, Toshimi Sairenchi, Keiko Nishida, Koji Uchiyama, Yasuo Haruyama, Hiroshi Satonaka, Toshihiko Ishimitsu, Takanori Yasu, Ichio Fukasawa and Gen Kobashi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 4052; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114052 - 5 Jun 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2606

Abstract

The association of gestational hypertension (GH) with future hypertension in Japanese women is unclear. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between GH and the risk of future hypertension in middle-aged-to-older Japanese women. A case-control study was performed, including 62 hypertensive women [...] Read more.

The association of gestational hypertension (GH) with future hypertension in Japanese women is unclear. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between GH and the risk of future hypertension in middle-aged-to-older Japanese women. A case-control study was performed, including 62 hypertensive women (case) and 75 nonhypertensive women (control). GH during the first pregnancy was diagnosed on the basis of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook record. Hypertensive women were recruited from outpatients in the hospital and residents who completed an annual health check-up in a community. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medications. The average age (SD) of the cases and controls at the time of recruitment was 63.1 (8.4) and 57.7 (9.4), respectively. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of GH for hypertension in middle-aged-to-older women was 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.0–17.5) after adjustment for potential confounding factors such as age and body-mass index (BMI) upon recruitment, prepregnancy BMI, and age at first delivery. In conclusion, GH can be an independent risk factor for future hypertension among Japanese women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

19 pages, 836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Association between Breastfeeding and Vegetable or Fruit Intake in Later Childhood in a Population-Based Observational Study

by Jadwiga Hamulka, Monika A. Zielinska, Marta Jeruszka-Bielak, Magdalena Górnicka, Dominika Głąbska, Dominika Guzek, Monika Hoffmann and Krystyna Gutkowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113755 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

Vegetable and fruit consumption in childhood remains below recommendations in many countries. As the intake of fruit and/or vegetables during childhood in a few studies was associated with breastfeeding, it may be suggested as a serious interfering factor while analyzing the association between [...] Read more.

Vegetable and fruit consumption in childhood remains below recommendations in many countries. As the intake of fruit and/or vegetables during childhood in a few studies was associated with breastfeeding, it may be suggested as a serious interfering factor while analyzing the association between breastfeeding and its long-term health effects. Thus, it may be important for creation and implementation of effective public health programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between breastfeeding and consumption of fruit or vegetables in later childhood. The study was conducted within the Project “ABC of Healthy Eating—ABC of Kids and Parents” among a representative sample of 703 pairs of mothers and children aged 7–12 years in Poland. A systematic purposive-quota selection according to gender, age, place of residence, and region of Poland was applied. The study was conducted by interviewers in the respondents’ homes in 2017. Logistic regression analysis was conducted, and models adjusted for children’s age, BMI centile and gender, maternal education, employment status, and economic situation, as well as for EU–28 average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) region. Almost 86% of children were ever breastfed. Vegetables for breakfast, second breakfast, dinner, supper, and between meals were consumed by 23.9%, 18.6%, 47.4%, 26.7%, and 4.0% of children, whereas fruit was consumed by 13.9%, 46.1%, 7.7%, 12.9%, and 59.7% of children, respectively. Breastfeeding for a period of 4–6 months increased the chance of vegetable consumption for breakfast in the whole group (aOR 3.80, 95% CI 1.90–7.59, p ≤ 0.001) and particularly in girls (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 1.43–14.75, p ≤ 0.01) when compared to boys (aOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.32–7.63, p ≤ 0.01). Longer duration of breastfeeding (over 12 months) increased the chance of vegetable consumption for dinner in the total group (aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.30–4.26, p ≤ 0.01) and particularly in girls (aOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.24–7.46, p ≤ 0.01) when compared to boys (aOR 2.20, 95% CI 1.01–4.95, p ≤ 0.05). We showed a positive association between breastfeeding and vegetable consumption for breakfast and dinner among children aged 7–12 years. These associations were gender-specific (stronger among girls) and were not diminished by socio-demographic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

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11 pages, 300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Pregnancy Hormone Concentrations in Countries with Very Low and High Breast Cancer Risk

by Davaasambuu Ganmaa, Davaasambuu Enkhmaa, Tsedmaa Baatar, Buyanjargal Uyanga, Garmaa Gantsetseg, Thomas T. Helde, Jr., Thomas F. McElrath, David E. Cantonwine, Gary Bradwin, Roni T. Falk, Robert N. Hoover and Rebecca Troisi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030823 - 28 Jan 2020

Viewed by 2447

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer rates in Asia are much lower than in Europe and North America. Within Asia, rates are lower in Mongolia than in neighboring countries. Variation in pregnancy exposure to endogenous hormone concentrations may explain the differences, but data are lacking. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: Breast cancer rates in Asia are much lower than in Europe and North America. Within Asia, rates are lower in Mongolia than in neighboring countries. Variation in pregnancy exposure to endogenous hormone concentrations may explain the differences, but data are lacking. Methods: We measured maternal serum progesterone, prolactin, estradiol and estrone concentrations in the second half of pregnancy in a cross-sectional study of urban (n = 143–194 depending on the analyte) and rural (n = 150–193) Mongolian women, and U.S. women from Boston (n = 66–204). Medical records provided information on maternal and perinatal factors. Geometric mean hormones were estimated from standard linear models with the log-hormone as the dependent variable and country as the independent variable adjusted for maternal and gestational age at blood draw. Results: Mean concentrations of prolactin (5722 vs. 4648 uIU/mL; p < 0.0001) and estradiol (17.7 vs. 13.6 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) were greater in Mongolian than U.S. women, while progesterone (147 vs. 201 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) was lower. Mean hormone concentrations were similar in rural and urban Mongolian women. Results were generally similar, with additional adjustment for gravidity, parity, height, body mass index at blood draw, education and alcohol use during pregnancy, and when stratified by offspring sex or parity. Conclusions: Mongolian women had greater concentrations of prolactin and estrogen and lower concentrations of progesterone than U.S. women, while hormone concentrations were similar in rural and urban Mongolian pregnancies. Impact: These data do not support the hypothesis that estrogen concentrations in pregnant women are lower in Mongolian compared with Caucasian women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

20 pages, 825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Individual and Regional Characteristics Associated with Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy in Japan: Healthy Parents and Children 21

by Tadao Ooka, Yuka Akiyama, Ryoji Shinohara, Hiroshi Yokomichi and Zentaro Yamagata

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010173 - 25 Dec 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2561

Abstract

Smoking during pregnancy causes various maternal and fetal health problems. Although there are considerable differences in maternal smoking proportions between localities, only a few studies have investigated the effects of regional characteristics on maternal smoking behavior. This study aimed to clarify the association [...] Read more.

Smoking during pregnancy causes various maternal and fetal health problems. Although there are considerable differences in maternal smoking proportions between localities, only a few studies have investigated the effects of regional characteristics on maternal smoking behavior. This study aimed to clarify the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and individual and regional characteristics. We used data from a large nationwide birth cohort study in Japan that consisted of information on 20,267 women with children aged 3–4 months. The multilevel regression model was used to examine the association between smoking behavior during pregnancy and individual and regional characteristics. On multilevel analysis, late birth order, young age of the mother at birth, low birth weight, low economic status, husband’s smoking during pregnancy, maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, absence of a pregnancy counselor, and lack of participation in local events for childrearing were significantly associated with maternal smoking behavior during pregnancy at the individual level. Meanwhile, a high unemployment rate and a high number of nurseries were significantly associated with maternal smoking behavior during pregnancy at the regional level. In conclusion, we showed the relation between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the individual- and regional-level characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

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10 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Depression: Relationship to Food Insecurity and Preschooler Fruit/Vegetable Consumption

by Wendy L. Ward, Taren M. Swindle, Angela L. Kyzer, Nicola Edge, Jasmin Sumrall and Leanne Whiteside-Mansell

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010123 - 23 Dec 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3132

Abstract

Background: Maternal Depression (MD) has been implicated in the etiology of obesity. The present study investigated MD and both child fruit/vegetable consumption (FVC) and household food insecurity (FI) in an early childhood population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Arkansas, [...] Read more.

Background: Maternal Depression (MD) has been implicated in the etiology of obesity. The present study investigated MD and both child fruit/vegetable consumption (FVC) and household food insecurity (FI) in an early childhood population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Arkansas, United States, in 26 Head Start centers. Teachers obtained the Family Map (FM), an interview assessment tool used by Head Start staff to identify potential risk factors that affect child learning and development. The FM contains a two-item screener of parent depression—the Patient Health Questionaire-2, two questions about family FI, and two questions about FVC. The FM was completed in 693 households. Chi square analyses and logistic regressions utilizing adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios were utilized to compare differences in risk for children of mothers with no symptoms compared to mothers with low- or high-level depressive symptoms. Results: Children whose mothers had high MD were 2.90 (CI: 1.21–7.00) and 7.81 (CI: 3.71–16.45) times more likely to be at risk for low FVC and FI, respectively, compared to children of mothers with no MD. Similar findings but at lower magnitude were found for mothers with low symptoms of MD in comparison with mothers with no MD—both for Low FVC (1.57 times more likely; CI: 1.01–2.45) and FI (2.14 times more likely; CI: 1.28–3.58). The results presented are Odds Ratios from the multivariable adjusted models. Conclusions: Implications for the etiology of obesity, prevention/intervention efforts, and future research are offered, including recommended addition of maternal depression and household FI screening in early childhood programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

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8 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incidence and Risk Factors of Pre-Eclampsia in the Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Nepal: A Retrospective Study

by Seema Das, Rupesh Das, Rashmita Bajracharya, Gehanath Baral, Bina Jabegu, Jon Øyvind Odland and Maria Lisa Odland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193571 - 24 Sep 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5224

Abstract

This study aims to determine the incidence of pre-eclampsia and distribution of risk factors of pre-eclampsia at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. A retrospective study included 4820 pregnant women from 17 September to 18 December 2017. Data were obtained from the [...] Read more.

This study aims to determine the incidence of pre-eclampsia and distribution of risk factors of pre-eclampsia at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. A retrospective study included 4820 pregnant women from 17 September to 18 December 2017. Data were obtained from the medical records of the hospital’s Statistics Department. Associations between the risk factors and pre-eclampsia were determined using logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratios. The incidence rate of pre-eclampsia in the study population was 1.8%. Higher incidence of pre-eclampsia was observed for women older than 35 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR)= 3.27; (Confidence Interval, CI 1.42–7.52) in comparison to mothers aged 20–24 years, primiparous women (AOR = 2.12; CI 1.25–3.60), women with gestational age less than 37 weeks (AOR = 3.68; CI 2.23–6.09), twins pregnancy (AOR = 8.49; CI 2.92–24.72), chronic hypertension (AOR = 13.64; CI 4.45–41.81), urinary tract infection (AOR = 6.89; CI 1.28–36.95) and gestational diabetes (AOR = 11.79; CI 3.20–43.41). Iron and calcium supplementation appear to be protective. Age of the mothers, primiparity, early gestational age, twin pregnancy, chronic hypertension, urinary tract infection and gestational diabetes were the significant risk factors for pre-eclampsia. Iron and calcium supplementation and young aged women were somewhat protective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

11 pages, 295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Undernutrition and Breast Milk Macronutrient Content Are Not Associated with Weight in Breastfed Infants at 1 and 3 Months after Delivery

by Takafumi Minato, Kyoko Nomura, Hitomi Asakura, Ayaka Aihara, Haruko Hiraike, Yuko Hino, Tsuyoshi Isojima and Hiroko Kodama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(18), 3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16183315 - 9 Sep 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3342

Abstract

This study examined whether maternal nutritional intake and breast milk macronutrient content influence the weight of breastfed infants. We investigated 129 healthy mothers with singleton babies born from July 2016 to December 2017 in a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Information was obtained [...] Read more.

This study examined whether maternal nutritional intake and breast milk macronutrient content influence the weight of breastfed infants. We investigated 129 healthy mothers with singleton babies born from July 2016 to December 2017 in a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Information was obtained by a self-administered food frequency questionnaire at 1 (valid response n = 92; mean age, 34 years) and 3 (n = 57) months after delivery. Breast milk was sampled at 1 and 3 months and the macronutrient contents were analyzed. The average pre-pregnancy body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy were 20.7 ± 2.6 kg/m² and 9.6 ± 3.7 kg, respectively. At 1 month, average maternal calorie intake was 1993 ± 417 kcal/day, which was lower than the intake recommended by Japanese Dietary Reference Intakes for breastfeeding mothers. There were no significant differences with regard to maternal calorie and protein intake, and breast milk macronutrient content between breastfed infants with weight above and below the 25th percentile of its distribution at both 1 and 3 months. This study suggests that suboptimal calorie intake by breastfeeding mothers and breast milk macronutrient content were not associated with weight of their infants at 1 and 3 months after delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

12 pages, 1388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

WIC Participation and Breastfeeding after the 2009 WIC Revision: A Propensity Score Approach

by Kelin Li, Ming Wen, Megan Reynolds and Qi Zhang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(15), 2645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16152645 - 24 Jul 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3857

Abstract

In this study, we examined the association between participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and breastfeeding outcomes before and after the 2009 revisions. Four-thousand-three-hundred-and-eight WIC-eligible children younger than 60 months were included from the 2005–2014 National [...] Read more.

In this study, we examined the association between participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and breastfeeding outcomes before and after the 2009 revisions. Four-thousand-three-hundred-and-eight WIC-eligible children younger than 60 months were included from the 2005–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We compared two birth cohorts with regard to their associations between WIC participation and being ever-breastfed and breastfed at 6 months. We estimated the average effect of the treatment for the treated to assess the causal effect of WIC participation on breastfeeding based on propensity score matching. The results showed that WIC-eligible participating children born between 2000 and 2008 were significantly less likely than WIC-eligible nonparticipating children to ever receive breastfeeding (p < 0.05) or to be breastfed at 6 months (p < 0.05). Among children born between 2009 and 2014, WIC-eligible participating children were no longer less likely to ever receive breastfeeding compared to WIC-eligible nonparticipating children; the gap remained in breastfeeding at 6-months (p < 0.05). The disparities in prevalence of ever breastfed between WIC-eligible participants and nonparticipants have been eliminated since the 2009 WIC revision. More efforts are needed to improve breastfeeding persistence among WIC-participating mother–infant dyads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

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10 pages, 944 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

Maternal Health and Nutrition Status, Human Milk Composition, and Growth and Development of Infants and Children: A Prospective Japanese Human Milk Study Protocol

by Keisuke Nojiri, Shunjiro Kobayashi, Satoshi Higurashi, Tomoki Takahashi, Yuta Tsujimori, Hiroshi M. Ueno, Shiomi Watanabe-Matsuhashi, Yasuhiro Toba, Junichi Yamamura, Taku Nakano, Kyoko Nomura and Toshiya Kobayashi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(6), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061869 - 13 Mar 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6443

Abstract

It is unknown whether maternal health and nutrition are related to human milk composition or growth and development of infants and children. Here, we describe a protocol for a prospective five-year cohort study to clarify (i) how maternal health and nutrition, socioeconomic factors, [...] Read more.

It is unknown whether maternal health and nutrition are related to human milk composition or growth and development of infants and children. Here, we describe a protocol for a prospective five-year cohort study to clarify (i) how maternal health and nutrition, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyles affect human milk composition, and (ii) whether these are associated with growth and development of infants and children. In our study, we recruited 1210 Japanese mothers with singleton pregnancies from 73 obstetrics clinics and hospitals across Japan, between 2014 and 2019. We will measure the following: health information regarding maternal-child dyads using a self-administered questionnaire, maternal nutrition during breastfeeding using a Brief self-administrated Diet History Questionnaire, the development of infants and children using the Kinder Infant Development Scale, and the stress related to child rearing using the Mother’s Child Care Stress Scale. Simultaneously, we will collect human milk every 2 months during the first year after birth to measure its composition and levels of macronutrients. This study will generate useful data to investigate whether health status, nutritional status, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors affect human milk composition and the growth and development of infants and children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal-Child Health and Life Course Perspective)

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