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Adipose tissue inflammation and specifically, pro-inflammatory macrophages are believed to contribute to insulin resistance (IR) in obesity in humans and animal models. Recent studies have invoked T cells in the recruitment of pro-inflammatory macrophages and the development of IR. To test the role of the T cell response in adipose tissue of mice fed an obesogenic diet, we used two agents (CTLA-4 Ig and anti-CD40L antibody) that block co-stimulation, which is essential for full T cell activation. C57BL/6 mice were fed an obesogenic diet for 16 weeks, and concomitantly either treated with CTLA-4 Ig, anti-CD40L antibody or an IgG control (300 µg/week). The treatments altered the immune cell composition of adipose tissue in obese mice. Treated mice demonstrated a marked reduction in pro-inflammatory adipose tissue macrophages and activated CD8+ T cells. Mice treated with anti-CD40L exhibited reduced weight gain, which was accompanied by a trend toward improved IR. CTLA-4 Ig treatment, however, was not associated with improved IR. These data suggest that the presence of pro-inflammatory T cells and macrophages can be altered with co-stimulatory inhibitors, but may not be a significant contributor to the whole body IR phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity-associated increases in adipose tissue (AT) CD11c+ cells suggest that dendritic cells (DC), which are involved in the tissue recruitment and activation of macrophages, may play a role in determining AT and liver immunophenotype in obesity. This study addressed this hypothesis. With the use of flow cytometry, electron microscopy, and loss-and-gain of function approaches, the contribution of DC to the pattern of immune cell alterations and recruitment in obesity was assessed. In AT and liver there was a substantial, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced increase in DC. In AT, these increases were associated with crown-like structures, whereas in liver the increase in DC constituted an early and reversible response to diet. Notably, mice lacking DC had reduced AT and liver macrophages, whereas DC replacement in DC-null mice increased liver and AT macrophage populations. Furthermore, delivery of bone marrow-derived DC to lean wild-type mice increased AT and liver macrophage infiltration. Finally, mice lacking DC were resistant to the weight gain and metabolic abnormalities of an HFD. Together, these data demonstrate that DC are elevated in obesity, promote macrophage infiltration of AT and liver, contribute to the determination of tissue immunophenotype, and play a role in systemic metabolic responses to an HFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal dyslipidemia is well established, however, the role of obesity in this relationship is not well defined. We examined the relationship between maternal obesity at the first prenatal visit and fasting lipids measured at the time of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in women screened selectively for GDM.Study Design: This prospective observational study was conducted in a large university maternity hospital. Women were recruited at the first prenatal visit following measurement of their weight and height. Clinical and sociodemographic details were recorded. Women with maternal risk factors for GDM were screened selectively with a one-step 75 g OGTT at 26-28 weeks gestation. GDM was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 criteria. Fasting lipids were measured simultaneously. Maternal lipid levels and their relationship with GDM and obesity were analysed with linear and logistic models.Results: Of the 275 women recruited at the first antenatal visit 202 attended for their OGTT at 26-28 weeks' and 53.5 % (108) had GDM based on the WHO criteria. The women with GDM were more likely to have obesity (70.4 % vs. 42.6 %, P < 0.001). Compared with women with a normal OGTT (n=94), women with GDM had higher triglycerides (P=0.023) and a lower HDL-Cholesterol (P = 0.013). However, when the cohort with GDM were stratified according to obesity, this trend was only seen in the women who had a BMI >29.9kg/m2. Based on tertiles, women with GDM had a higher odds ratio of increased triglycerides (odds ratio 3.2 (95 % confidence interval; 1.4-6.9), P = 0.004) and lower HDL-Cholesterol (odds ratio 2.2, (95 % confidence interval; 1.1-4.7), P = 0.036) and an increased TG:HDL-cholesterol ratio (odds ratio 2.3, (95 % confidence interval; 1.1-4.9), P = 0.026), only if they had obesity.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the epidemiological association between GDM and dyslipidemia is mediated through maternal obesity. Women with obesity alone or GDM alone did not have an elevated OR for dyslipidemia. Interventions designed to optimise maternal lipids should prioritise women with obesity and it may be preferable for these interventions to start prior to conception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): This study aimed to examine recent trends in maternal obesity.Study Design: This retrospective observational study used routinely computerised clinical and sociodemographic data of women who presented for antenatal care in a large maternity hospital in Ireland during the eight years 2010-17. Women with complete body mass index (BMI) data who delivered a baby weighing ≥500 g were included in the study. BMI was based on the measurement of weight and height and was categorised into the World Health Organizations (WHO) classifications.Results: The number of women delivered was 67,949 and 99.1% had complete data. The overall obesity rate increased from 16.0% (95% CI 15.3-16.8%) in 2010 to 18.9% (95% CI 18.0-19.7%) in 2017 (+18.1%, p < 0.001). This increase occurred in the mild, moderate and severe obesity subcategories (all p < 0.01). Overall, obesity was associated with multiparity, maternal age, maternal birth in Ireland or the United Kingdom (UK), depression, unemployment and unplanned pregnancy. The increase in obesity was more pronounced in nulliparas than in multiparas, particularly nulliparas <30 years. The increased obesity levels were accompanied by major sociodemographic changes in the hospital population from 2010 to 2017 with an increase in the average maternal age from 30.5 years to 32.2 years (p < 0.001) and a decrease in the proportion of nulliparas aged <30 years (from 40.6% to 28.8%, p < 0.001).Conclusion(s): It is likely that the escalating maternal obesity levels will lead to further increases in obstetric complications and interventions. The escalation was accompanied by major sociodemographic changes which have implications for healthcare planning and public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is good evidence that periconceptual Folic Acid (FA) supplementation can prevent two thirds of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). A two-fold increase in NTD rates have been associated with maternal obesity and, based on limited evidence, national guidelines have recommended prescribing high dose FA for women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) >29.9 kg/m2. This observational study examined the relationship between maternal BMI and serum folate, red blood cell (RBC) folate and plasma vitamin B12 measurements in early pregnancy.Study Design: Women were recruited at their convenience during their first antenatal visit to the hospital following sonographic confirmation of an ongoing pregnancy. Clinical, sociodemographic, dietary and supplementation details were collected and computerised. At the time of routine phlebotomy, samples were collected for serum folate, red blood cell (RBC) folate and plasma B12.Results: Of the 496 women, 19.6%. (n = 97) were obese based on a BMI > 29.9 kg/m2. After excluding energy under-reporters, there was no difference between obese women and women with a normal BMI in their dietary or supplementation intakes of folate. Compared with women with a normal BMI (n = 263), obese women had a lower median serum folate (32.0 nmol/L IQR 20.2 vs 36.2 nmol/L IQR 16.3, P = 0.02) and a lower median serum B12 (203.0 pmol/L IQR 102.5 vs 208.0 pmol/L IQR 125.3, P = 0.03), but there was no difference in the mean red blood cell (RBC) folate measurement. There was a negative correlation between increasing BMI and both serum folate (P = 0.03) and plasma B12 (P = 0.03), but no correlation between BMI and RBC folate (P = 0.13).Conclusion: Our findings support existing recommendations that obese women should be prescribed higher doses of FA periconceptually. However, to prevent NTDs successfully they may also require B12 supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether an intensive, medically supervised exercise intervention improved maternal glycemia and gestational weight gain in obese pregnant women when compared with routine prenatal care.Methods: This randomized controlled trial compared a medically supervised exercise intervention with routine prenatal care. The primary outcome was a reduction in mean maternal fasting plasma glucose in the intervention group by 6.9 mg/dL at the time of a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included excessive gestational weight gain. The intervention consisted of 50-60 minutes of exercise: warm-up, resistance or weights, aerobic exercises, and cool-down. All women received routine prenatal care. Power calculation determined that 24 women were required per group to detect a difference of 6.9 mg/dL in fasting plasma glucose between groups based on an independent-sample t test for statistical power of 80% at a type I error rate of 0.05. A sample size of 44 per group was planned to allow a dropout rate of 33%.Results: From November 2013 through August 2015, 88 women were randomized: 44 each to the exercise and control groups. Eight women in the control group and 11 in the intervention group did not complete the trial at 6 weeks postpartum (P=.61), but 43 in each group attended the 24- to 28-week glucose screen. There were no baseline maternal differences between groups. Classes commenced at a mean of 13 4/7±1 2/7 weeks of gestation. In early pregnancy, 51.1% (n=45/88) had an elevated fasting plasma glucose (92-125 mg/dL). There was no difference in the mean fasting plasma glucose at 24-28 weeks of gestation: 90.0±9.0 mg/dL (n=43) compared with 93.6±7.2 mg/dL (n=43) (P=.13) or in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus at 24-28 weeks of gestation: 48.8% (n=21/43) compared with 58.1% (n=25/43) (P=.51) in the control and exercise groups, respectively. At 36 weeks of gestation, excessive gestational weight gain greater than 9.1 kg was lower in the exercise group, 23.5% compared with 45.2% in the control group (P<.05).Conclusion: An intensive, medically supervised exercise intervention for obese women from early pregnancy did not improve maternal glycemia. Pregnant women who are obese, however, should be advised to exercise because it attenuates excessive gestational weight gain.Clinical Trial Registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials (ISRCTN) registry, ISRCTN 31045925. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal obesity is an emerging challenge in contemporary obstetrics. To date there has been no study analysing the relationship between specific maternal body composition measurements and foetal soft-tissue measurements. The aim of this study was to determine whether measurement of maternal body composition at booking predicts foetal soft-tissue trajectories in the third trimester. We analysed the relationship between foetal thigh in the third trimester and both maternal BMI and body composition using the Tanita digital scales in the first trimester. Foetal subcutaneous thigh tissue measurements were obtained at intervals of 28, 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. A total of 160 women were identified. There was a direct correlation between MTST at 36 weeks and BMI (p = .002). There was a positive correlation between MTST at 36 weeks and leg fat mass (p = .13) and leg fat free mass (p = .013). There was a positive correlation between arm fat free mass and MTST at 36 weeks. We showed there is an association between maternal fat distribution and foetal subcutaneous thigh tissue measurements. MTST may be more useful in determining if a child is at risk of macrosomia.Impact statementPrevious studies have suggested that maternal obesity programmes intrauterine foetal adiposity and growth. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship in a high-risk obstetric population between measurements of maternal body composition in early pregnancy and the assessment of foetal adiposity in the third trimester using serial ultrasound measurements of mid-thigh soft-tissue thickness. BMI is only a surrogate measurement of fat and does not measure fat distribution. Our study shows the distribution of both maternal fat and fat-free mass in early pregnancy may be positively associated with foetal soft-tissue measurements in the third trimester. Maternal arthropometric measurements other than BMI may help predict babies at risk of macrosomia and neonatal adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: Increased maternal body mass index (BMI) has been consistently associated with elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Studies to date investigating the relationship between maternal blood glucose levels and dietary intake have shown mixed results. We investigated the association between maternal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and food group and macronutrient intakes in the first trimester of pregnancy, after adjustment for maternal bodyweight. Methods: Women were recruited after sonographic confirmation of an ongoing singleton pregnancy in the first trimester. Dietary information was collected using the validated Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire. Maternal height and weight were measured and BMI calculated. Body composition was measured using advanced bioelectrical impedance analysis. FPG levels were obtained for women who were selectively screened with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Results: No associations were observed between maternal FPG levels and food group or macronutrient intakes but higher energy and starch intakes were found in obese subjects (P = 0.009 and P = 0.03 respectively). On univariate analysis, higher FPG levels were associated positively with higher maternal bodyweight, BMI, body fat, fat free mass and visceral fat (all P < 0.001). However, on multivariate regression analysis, higher FPG levels remained associated only with maternal BMI > 29.9 kg/m2 (OR 7.4, P = 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that maternal BMI is the key determinant of maternal glycaemia. Interventions which focus on overall energy restriction and especially the limitation of dietary starch to optimise prepregnancy maternal bodyweight are likely to be useful in improving glycaemic control in higher risk pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo analyse the relationship between unplanned pregnancy and maternal Body Mass Index (BMI). MethodsA prospective case-control study of planned vs. unplanned pregnancies among women who delivered an infant weighing ≥ 500 g during the four years 2009–2012 in a large maternity hospital in Ireland. Maternal weight and height were measured at the first antenatal visit before calculation of BMI. Clinical and sociodemographic details were computerised. BMI was categorised according to the World Health Organization. The epidemiological associations were examined using logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables. ResultsBetween 2009 and 2012, 34,377 women were included, 31.7% (n= 10,894) reported an unplanned pregnancy and 16.6% (n= 5647) were obese. The odds ratios of unplanned pregnancy were greater among obese women compared with those of normal BMI (unadjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 1.3; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3–1.4p< 0.001). These ratios increased with increasing BMI (mild unadjusted OR 1.3; CI 1.2–1.4p< 0.001; moderate unadjusted OR 1.4; CI 1.2–1.6p< 0.001; severe obesity unadjusted OR 1.7; CI 1.4–2.0p< 0.001). The higher rate of unplanned pregnancy among obese women was associated with a lower rate of contraception usage and a higher rate of contraceptive failure. Only 37.6% (n= 2112) of obese women took preconceptional folic acid to prevent neural tube defects compared with 46.1% (n= 8176) of women with a normal BMI (p< 0.001). ConclusionHigher rates of unplanned pregnancy among obese women compared with women with a normal BMI is associated with compromised prepregnancy care in this high-risk population. Chinese Abstract 摘要： 目的分析意外怀孕和孕妇体重指数(BMI)之间的关系。 方法对在爱尔兰的一个大型妇产科医院里，从2009 - 2012年四年间，生产婴儿的体重≥500 g的计划内和计划外怀孕的女性，进行前瞻性病例对照研究。在计算体重指数之前的第一次产前随访时，测量孕妇的体重和身高。临床和社会人口的详细资料已用电脑处理。体重指数是根据世界卫生组织进行的分类。使用逻辑回归进行了流行病学关联调查，同时调整混杂变量。 结果从2009年至2012年期间， 34377名女性被纳入研究。据报道， 31.7%(n=10894)的意外怀孕女性中有16.6%(n=5647)为肥胖女性。肥胖女性意外怀孕的比值比比体重指数(BMI)正常的女性意外怀孕的比值比大(未调整的比值比为1.3；95%可信区间：1.3-1.4， p < 0.001)。这些比值随着体重指数的增加而增大(轻微调整的比值比为1.3；可信区间：1.2-1.2， p < 0.001；适度调整的比值比为1.4；可信区间；1.2-1.6 ，p < 0.001；严重肥胖未经调整的比值比为1.7；可信区间；1.4-2.0 ，p < 1.4)。肥胖女性中较高的意外怀孕率与较低的避孕率及较高的避孕失败率有关。与46.1%(n=8176)的体重指数正常的女性相比，只有37.6%(n=2112) 的肥胖女性服用叶酸来预防神经管缺陷(p < 0.001)。 结论肥胖女性意外怀孕的几率比体重指数正常的女性高，这个结论与肥胖女性放弃孕前保健有关。 关键词： 肥胖孕妇；意外怀孕；避孕 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To compare maternal C-reactive protein concentration in the first 18 weeks of pregnancy with the nonpregnant adult reference range.Study Design: Serum samples from healthy women with a pregnancy <18 weeks' gestation were retrieved from a Hospital biological resource bank. C-reactive protein was measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. Clinical and sociodemographic details were retrieved from the Hospital's computerized database.Results: Of the 146 women, 85 (58.2%) were nulliparous, 11 (7.5%) were smokers and 22 (15.1%) were obese. Mean gestational age at phlebotomy was 12.5 (range 8.1-17.4) weeks. Median C-reactive protein was 3.2 (interquartile range 0.3-12.1)mg/L. There were 74 women (50.7%) with C-reactive protein level >3.0mg/L which is above the nonpregnant adult reference range. C-reactive protein levels were positively correlated with increasing Body Mass Index. No relationship was found between C-reactive protein and age, smoking or gestational age.Conclusion: C-reactive protein concentration in a well-characterized population in early pregnancy was higher than that cited for the nonpregnant adult, and C-reactive protein was positively associated with Body Mass Index. Therefore, caution is needed in the use and interpretation of C-reactive protein measurements in early pregnancy to avoid unnecessary interventions in women with suspected illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Maternal obesity has been identified as an important clinical priority in contemporary obstetrics. This study aimed to determine the incidence of maternal obesity in early pregnancy and track recent trends in body mass index ( BMI) categories over 5 years 2009-2013. Material and methods This prospective observational study included all women who delivered an infant weighing ≥500 g during the 5 years 2009-2013 in a large university teaching hospital in Ireland. Body mass index was calculated using early pregnancy weight and height measured at first antenatal visits. Sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered prospectively. Trends in maternal obesity were tracked over 5 years and epidemiological associations with obesity were examined using logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables. Results Of 42 362 women, 99.0% ( n = 41 927) were eligible for analysis with a mean BMI of 25.5 kg/m2, mean age of 30.7 years and 40.7% ( n = 17054) primigravidas. The absolute number of cases of severe obesity ( BMI ≥40.0 kg/m2) increased by 48.5% from 2009 to 2013 ( p < 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression analyses, obesity incidence increased with increasing parity, advancing age and socioeconomic disadvantage. The maternal obesity rate among women born in the 13 European Union Accession countries was 8.6%, nearly half that of those born in existing European Union countries ( p < 0.001). Conclusion It is concerning that while the overall obesity rate remained stable, the number of cases of severe obesity increased over 5 years. We recommend renewed public health efforts addressing obesity rates before pregnancy and reinforcing attempts to optimize a woman's weight after delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a strong epidemiological association between maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Since the publication of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study on women with mild hyperglycemia in 2008, new criteria have been introduced in maternity services internationally for the diagnosis of GDM. As a result, the diagnosis of GDM may be made in one-third of obese women (n=68). The aim of this review was to examine the interplay between maternal obesity and GDM in light of the HAPO study and the subsequent revised diagnostic criteria. Obesity and GDM are important obstetric risk factors because they both are potentially modifiable. However, the new international criteria for the diagnosis of GDM have serious resource implications for maternity services provided to the large number of women attending for care in developed countries. Further consideration needs to be given as to whether obese women with mild hyperglycemia need to be referred to a multidisciplinary team antenatally if they do not require insulin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to review the current evidence on gestational weight gain (GWG). Maternal obesity has emerged as one of the great challenges in modern obstetrics as it is becoming increasingly common and is associated with increased maternal and fetal complications. There has been an upsurge of interest in GWG with an emphasis on the relationship between excessive GWG and increased fetal growth. Recent recommendations from the Institute of Medicine in the USA have revised downwards the weight gain recommendations in pregnancy for obese mothers. We believe that it is time to take stock again about the advice that pregnant women are given about GWG and their lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy. The epidemiological links between excessive GWG and aberrant fetal growth are weak, particularly in obese women. There is little evidence that intervention studies decrease excessive GWG or improve intrauterine fetal growth. Indeed, there is a potential risk that inappropriate interventions during the course of pregnancy may lead to fetal malnutrition that may have adverse clinical consequences, both in the short- and long-term. It may be more appropriate to shift the focus of attention from monitoring maternal weight to increasing physical activity levels and improving nutritional intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this investigation was to study fetal thigh volume throughout gestation and explore its correlation with birth weight and neonatal body composition. This novel technique may improve birth weight prediction and lead to improved detection rates for fetal growth restriction. Materials and Methods: Fractional thigh volume (TVol) using 3D ultrasound, fetal biometry and soft tissue thickness were studied longitudinally in 42 mother-infant pairs. The percentages of neonatal body fat, fat mass and fat-free mass were determined using air displacement plethysmography. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Linear regression analysis showed an association between TVol and birth weight. TVol at 33 weeks was also associated with neonatal fat-free mass. There was no correlation between TVol and neonatal fat mass. Abdominal circumference, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and EFW centile showed consistent correlations with birth weight. Thigh volume demonstrated an additional independent contribution to birth weight prediction when added to the EFW centile from the 38-week scan (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Fractional TVol performed at 33 weeks gestation is correlated with birth weight and neonatal lean body mass. This screening test may highlight those at risk of fetal growth restriction or macrosomia. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To identify the maternal body composition parameters that independently influence birth weight. Study design: A longitudinal prospective observational study in a large university teaching hospital. One hundred and eighty-four non-diabetic caucasian women with a singleton pregnancy were studied. In early pregnancy maternal weight and height were measured digitally in a standardised way and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. At 28 and 37 weeks’ gestation maternal body composition was assessed using segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. At delivery the baby was weighed and the clinical details were recorded. Results: Of the women studied, 29.2% were overweight and 34.8% were obese. Birth weight did not correlate with maternal weight or BMI in early pregnancy. Birth weight correlated with gestational weight gain (GWG) before the third trimester (r =0.163, p =0.027), but not with GWG in the third trimester. Birth weight correlated with maternal fat-free mass, and not fat mass at 28 and 37 weeks gestation. Birth weight did not correlate with increases in maternal fat and fat-free masses between 28 and 37 weeks. Conclusions: Contrary to previous reports, we found that early pregnancy maternal BMI in a non-diabetic population does not influence birth weight. Interestingly, it was the GWG before the third trimester and not the GWG in the third trimester that influenced birth weight. Our findings have implications for the design of future intervention studies aimed at optimising gestational weight gain and birth weight. Condensation: Maternal fat-free mass and gestational weight gain both influence birth weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To examine the relationship between maternal glucose levels and intrauterine fetal adiposity distribution in women with a normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 28 weeks gestation. Study Design. We recruited 231 women with a singleton pregnancy. At 28 and 37 weeks gestation, sonographic measurements of fetal body composition were performed. Multiple regression analysis was used to study the influence of different maternal variables on fetal adiposity distribution. Results. Maternal glucose levels correlated with the fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue measurements (r = 0.2; P = 0.014) and with birth weight (r = 0.1; P = 0.04). Maternal glucose levels did not correlate with the fetal mid-thigh muscle thickness and mid-thigh subcutaneous tissue measurements. Conclusion. We found that in nondiabetic women maternal glucose levels not only influence fetal adiposity and birth weight, but also influence the distribution of fetal adiposity. This supports previous evidence that maternal glycemia is a key determinant of intrauterine fetal programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if Fetal Abdominal Subcutaneous Tissue (FAST) measurements using antenatal ultrasound differ between male and female fetuses. Study Design: Women who had an ultrasound examination for fetal growth between 20 and 40 weeks gestation were studied. Women with diabetes mellitus were excluded. The fetal anterior abdominal subcutaneous tissue was measured on the anterior abdominal wall in millimetres anterior to the margins of the ribs, using magnification at the level of the abdominal circumference. The fetal sex was recorded after delivery. Results: A total of 557 fetuses were measured, 290 male and 267 female. The FAST measurements increased with gestational age. The FAST increased at the same rate for both male and female fetuses and at any given week there was no sex difference. Conclusions: The increased fat composition in females reported after birth was not found in abdominal wall subcutaneous fat measurements using ultrasound during pregnancy. Antenatal centile charts for FAST do not need to be based on sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the body mass index (BMI) and the body composition of fathers-to-be and to compare the findings with those of mothers-to-be during early pregnancy. This was a descriptive and comparative study based at a large university teaching hospital. We enrolled men whose partner booked for antenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy during July 2009. The height and weight of both parents-to-be were measured digitally, and BMI was calculated. The body compositions of the couple were analysed using bioelectrical impedance. Of 167 fathers-to-be, 14% were obese (BMI > 29.9 kg/m) compared with 16% of mothers-to-be (NS). However, 50% were overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m) compared with 26% of mothers-to-be ( P < 0.001). This may be explained, in part, because the men were on average two years older than the women, and in the men, BMI increased with age. The men had a lower overall fat percentage ( P < 0.001), but their visceral fat was higher than in the women ( P < 0.001). Our findings show a high level of obesity in fathers-to-be, which has implications not only for the men themselves but also their families. We suggest that public health interventions directed at obesity during pregnancy should include both parents-to-be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]