Nutritional Iodine Status in Pregnant Women from Health Area IV in Asturias (Spain): Iodised Salt Is Enough.

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency during pregnancy may have adverse effects on the neurodevelopment of the foetus. Recent studies of pregnant women in Asturias (Spain) indicate that nutritional iodine levels are sufficient. The objective of this study was to confirm the appropriate nutritional iodine status and to analyse the influence of the ingestion of iodine on maternal urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid function. METHODS: An observational study was carried out between May and June 2017 on women in the first trimester of pregnancy from Health Area IV in Asturias. The women completed a questionnaire related to their consumption of iodine and samples were taken to analyse UIC and thyroid function. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighteen pregnant women were involved. Of these, 51.10% used iodised salt, 48.90% consumed ≥ 2 servings of dairy products daily and 87.08% took iodine supplements. The median UIC was 171.5 µg/L (116-265 µg/L) and 60.41% of women had UIC ≥ 150 µg/L. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that iodised salt had a protective effect on UIC < 150 µg/L (odds ratio (OR) 0.404 (0.237-0.683), p = 0.001), but not iodine supplements (OR 0.512 (0.240-1.085), p = 0.080). The average level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 2.26 ± 0.94 mIU/L; 68.40% of pregnant women taking iodine supplements had TSH < 2.5 mIU/L compared to 30.00% of those who were not taking supplements (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The pregnant women in our health area are maintaining appropriate nutritional iodine levels. The consumption of iodised salt protects against iodine deficiency; thus, iodine supplements should be taken on an individualised basis.

Determinants of the Essential Elements and Vitamins Intake and Status during Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study in Polish Mother and Child Cohort.

The study objective was to identify determinants of essential elements and vitamins intake, and microelements and vitamins concentration in blood among pregnant women from Poland. Based on the data from food frequency questionnaires and information about supplements taken (n = 1252), daily supply of six elements (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium) and nine vitamins (folate, vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) was calculated. Zinc, copper, selenium (n = 340), vitamin A and E (n = 358) concentration was determined in blood collected during pregnancy. Most of the women did not meet the demand for essential elements and vitamins with a diet. About 94% of the respondents declared supplements use. The women with higher education, indicating leisure-time, physical activity and multiparity had a higher chance of meeting the average demand for the majority of the analyzed nutrients. On the other hand, factors such as BMI < 18.5kg/m2, a higher level of stress, and late first medical-care visit were associated with a lower chance of meeting the recommendations. Higher socio-economic status was a determinant of a higher selenium concentration in plasma (ß = 3.1; 95%CI: 0.2-5.9), whereas BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and multiparity of a higher copper concentration in plasma (ß = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.03-0.4; ß = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.1-0.4). Higher plasma concentration of vitamin E was noted among women older than 30 years of age comparing to those who were 30 or younger (ß = 1.5; 95%CI: 0.6-2.4). Although more studies are required, especially such based on laboratory measures, our results indicate target groups for dietary interventions during pregnancy for children's optimal health and development.

Human Intestinal Barrier: Effects of Stressors, Diet, Prebiotics, and Probiotics.

The objectives of this article are to understand the effects of stressors (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, exercise, and pregnancy) and components in the diet, specifically prebiotics and probiotics, on intestinal barrier function. Stressors generally reduce barrier function, and these effects can be reversed by supplements such as zinc or glutamine that are among the substances that enhance the barrier. Other dietary factors in the diet that improve the barrier are vitamins A and D, tryptophan, cysteine, and fiber; by contrast, ethanol, fructose, and dietary emulsifiers increase permeability. Effects of prebiotics on barrier function are modest; on the other hand, probiotics exert direct and indirect antagonism of pathogens, and there are documented effects of diverse probiotic species, especially combination agents, on barrier function in vitro, in vivo in animal studies, and in human randomized controlled trials conducted in response to stress or disease. Clinical observations of benefits with combination probiotics in inflammatory diseases have simultaneously not appraised effects on intestinal permeability. In summary, probiotics and synbiotics enhance intestinal barrier function in response to stressor or disease states. Future studies should address the changes in barrier function and microbiota concomitant with assessment of clinical outcomes.

Conocimientos y prácticas de salud bucal en embarazadas / Oral health knowledges and practices in pregnant women

La mujer gestante sufre cambios fisiológicos y psicológicos durante los meses de embarazo que pueden derivar en problemas de salud bucal. A través de diversos estudios se observó que múltiples factores actúan como determinantes en lo que a la atención odontológica de la embarazada respecta, entre los cuales se pueden encontrar, la realidad sociocultural de la paciente, su nivel de instrucción educativo, sus conocimientos en cuanto a la atención odontológica, factores de riesgos, entre otros. El profesional odontólogo, tiene en sus manos recursos que pueden ser de gran ayuda por lo que su papel es de suma importancia, desde la educación preventiva, brindando conocimientos técnicos hasta la atención odontológica en sectores vulnerables. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en reunir la evidencia que se corresponda con el análisis de los conocimientos y prácticas de salud bucal en mujeres embarazadas con el fin de organizar los trabajos hallados en un cuerpo de conocimiento fundamentado (AU)

The pregnant woman suffers physiological and psychological changes during the months of pregnancy that can lead to oral health problems. Through various studies it was observed that multiple factors act as determinants regarding dental care of the pregnant woman, among which can be found the sociocultural reality of the patient, her educational level of instruction, her knowledge regarding dental care, risk factors, among others. The dental professional has resources in her hands that can be of great help, so her role is of the utmost importance, from preventive education, providing technical knowledge to dental care in vulnerable sectors. The objective of this work was to gather the evidence that corresponds to the analysis of oral health knowledge and practices in pregnant women to organize the studies found in a well-founded body of knowledge (AU)

Effects of maternal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol during the last week of gestation and lactation on serum parameters, intestinal morphology and microbiota in suckling piglets.

This study was conducted to test the effects of maternal 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) supplementation on serum parameters, intestinal morphology and microbiota in suckling piglets. The experiment started on day 107 of gestation and lasted until piglets were weaned on day 21 of lactation. Thirty-two sows were allocated randomly to two treatments (ND diet, basal diet with 2000 IU/kg of vitamin D3; 25-D diet, basal diet with 50 µg/kg 25OHD3). Results showed that maternal 25-D treatment increased (p < 0.05) serum 25OHD3 concentration in the umbilical cords, which led to higher (p < 0.05) serum 25OHD3 concentration of suckling piglets from 25-D sows. The GSH-Px activity in colostrum was higher (p < 0.05), as well as SOD and GSH-Px activities in milk, were higher (p < 0.05) in 25-D sows than ND sows. Compared with piglets suckling ND sows, piglets suckling 25-D sows had higher (p < 0.05) serum SOD activity on day 7, 14 and 21 of lactation. On day 21 of lactation, piglets form 25-D sows had greater (p < 0.05) serum levels of GH and IGF-I and lower (p < 0.05) serum DAO activity than those from ND sows. Piglets from 25-D sows had higher (p < 0.05) jejunal villus height than those from ND sows. Feeding 25OHD3 to sows tended to increase (p < 0.10) the species richness in the colonic digesta of suckling piglets, as reflected by the α-diversity index of Chao-1. In the caecal digesta, the α-diversity for bacterial community analysis of Simpson and Shannon was lower (p < 0.05) in 25-D piglets than ND piglets. The relative abundances of colonic Alloprevotella and caecal Lactobacillus were significantly higher, while the population of caecal [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group was lower (p < 0.05) in 25-D piglets than ND piglets. In conclusion, maternal 25OHD3 supplementation partly improved antioxidant status in sows and suckling piglets and altered gut microbiota in the hindgut of piglets.

Nutrients, Mitochondrial Function, and Perinatal Health.

Mitochondria are active independent organelles that not only meet the cellular energy requirement but also regulate central cellular activities. Mitochondria can play a critical role in physiological adaptations during pregnancy. Differences in mitochondrial function have been found between healthy and complicated pregnancies. Pregnancy signifies increased nutritional requirements to support fetal growth and the metabolism of maternal and fetal tissues. Nutrient availability regulates mitochondrial metabolism, where excessive macronutrient supply could lead to oxidative stress and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, while micronutrients are essential elements for optimal mitochondrial processes, as cofactors in energy metabolism and/or as antioxidants. Inadequate macronutrient and micronutrient consumption can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly through mitochondrial dysfunction, by impairing energy supply, one-carbon metabolism, biosynthetic pathways, and the availability of metabolic co-factors which modulate the epigenetic processes capable of establishing significant short- and long-term effects on infant health. Here, we review the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients on mitochondrial function and its influence on maternal and infant health.

Maternal exercise during gestation and lactation decreases high-fat diet preference by altering central reward system gene expression in adult female offspring from high-fat fed dams.

Exposure to maternal high-fat (HF) diet during gestation and lactation alters adult offspring's feeding behavior and diet preference. However, the impact of maternal exercise on offspring's diet preference and reward system development is less studied. In this study, we investigate the effect of perinatal maternal exercise on the development of diet preference, dopamine- and opioid-related gene expression in the central reward system in female offspring from HF-fed Sprague-Dawley rat dams. We found maternal HF diet did not alter adult offspring HF preference, but influenced offspring's dopamine and opioid system both at weaning and in adulthood, and these offspring retained higher body weight in adulthood. However, offspring from dams exposed to both HF diet and exercise during gestation and lactation had normalized body weight, decreased fat mass and lower HF-diet preference but increased energy intake in adulthood. The dopamine- and opioid-related gene expression in central reward system and POMC expression in hypothalamus was elevated in these adult offspring. We conclude that maternal exercise during gestation and lactation can potentially overcome the negative effects of perinatal exposure to HF diet in female offspring by altering their diet preference, central reward system signaling and hypothalamus neuropeptide expression.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy-The Case for a Target Omega-3 Index.

Scientific societies recommend increasing intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 200 mg/day during pregnancy. However, individually, clinical events correlate quite strongly with levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA in blood, but these levels poorly correlate with amounts ingested. EPA and DHA in erythrocytes (Omega-3 Index) have a low biologic variability. If analyzed with a standardized analytical procedure (HS-Omega-3 Index®), analytical variability is low. Thus, the largest database of any fatty acid analytical method was provided. Pregnant women in Germany had a mean Omega-3 Index below the target range suggested for cardiovascular disease of 8-11%, with large interindividual variation, and quite independent of supplementation with EPA and DHA. In Germany, premature birth is a major health issue. Premature birth and other health issues of pregnant women and their offspring correlate with levels of EPA and DHA in blood and can be reduced by increasing intake of EPA and DHA, according to individual trials and pertinent meta-analyses. Very high intake or levels of EPA and DHA may also produce health issues, like bleeding, prolonged gestation, or even premature birth. While direct evidence remains to be generated, evidence from various scientific approaches supports that the target range for the Omega-3 Index of 8-11% might also pertain to pregnancy and lactation.

Erythropoiesis and Red Cell Indices Undergo Adjustments during Pregnancy in Response to Maternal Body Size but not Inflammation.

During human pregnancy, iron requirements gradually increase, leading to higher amounts of erythropoietin (EPO) and reticulocytes, and changes in erythrocyte size and density. Women with pregestational obesity experience "obesity hypoferremia" during pregnancy, which alters iron homeostasis. In this study we aimed to describe the relationship between EPO and iron nutrition status during nonanemic pregnancy, and to explore whether obesity and inflammation influence erythropoiesis and red cell indices. We conducted a secondary analysis of a cohort followed throughout pregnancy. Participants were nonanemic women assigned to two study groups based on pregestational body mass index (pgBMI): adequate weight (AW, n = 53) or obesity (Ob, n = 40). All received a multivitamin supplement. At gestational ages (GA) 13, 21, 28 and 34, we measured hemoglobin and red cell indices with an ACT-5DIFF hematology counter, and reticulocyte percentage by manual cell counting. EPO, interleukin (IL-6) and markers of iron status, i.e., hepcidin, serum transferrin receptor (sTfr) and ferritin, were measured by ELISA. Bivariate correlations showed that EPO was positively associated with pgBMI, GA, sTfr and IL-6, but negatively associated with hepcidin, ferritin and hemoglobin, and unrelated to iron intake. Generalized linear models adjusted for confounding factors showed that EPO and erythrocyte concentrations were significantly higher in women in the Ob group, while mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and red cell distribution width (RDW) were lower; reticulocytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were not different. Differences were not altered when controlling for inflammation (IL-6). These changes suggest that, in addition to altering iron metabolism, a larger maternal body size during pregnancy results in higher erythropoiesis without increasing hemoglobin, which is exhibited in the latter being distributed among more and smaller erythrocytes.

Adequacy of Nutrients Intake among Jordanian Pregnant Women in Comparison to Dietary Reference Intakes.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal nutrition is considered an important pillar in the pregnancy outcomes for both mother and infant. A mother's malnutrition and inadequate nutrient intake is associated with many undesirable pregnancy outcomes. Hence, assessing the nutritional status of the mother in the early stages of the pregnancy and preventing any inadequacy can preclude many health problems for both mother and infant. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the adequacy of nutrient intakes among Jordanian pregnant women as compared to their corresponding dietary reference intakes (DRIs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a major University Hospital in Jordan. Three hundred pregnant women were invited to participate in the study and 286 agreed to participate. Fifty pregnant women were enrolled at week 9, then 96 pregnant women were at week 20 and 137 pregnant women were at week 30 of pregnancy. The participants completed the interview-based demographic questionnaire, pregnancy physical activity questionnaire, and quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: The mean energy intake was 2768.9 ± 767.8 kcal/day and it was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester (p < 0.05). Women in the 3rd trimester consumed significantly more protein, carbohydrates, and sugar than women in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p < 0.05). The pregnant women in the 3rd trimester consumed more sodium than women in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p < 0.05). The vitamin K intake was significantly (p = 0.045) lower in the 2nd trimester than the 1st and 3rd trimesters. The calcium intake was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester than the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p = 0.021). The total micronutrient (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and D, calcium, and iron) intakes derived from dietary supplements and food sources throughout the 3 trimesters was significantly higher in the 3rd trimester than the 1st and 2nd trimesters (p < 0.05). The vitamin D, calcium, and iron intakes had the most significant increases between the 1st and 3rd trimesters (p < 0.001), while folic acid intake was significantly higher in the 1st trimester than the 2nd and 3rd trimester (p < 0.001). Most women exceeded the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for sodium in all trimesters, while 82% of women exceeded the UL of folic acid in the 1st trimester and from the supplement, not the diet. CONCLUSION: While the intake of some nutrients from food alone remains below the DRIs in the diets of pregnant women, the intake of other nutrients is above the UL. Raising the awareness of pregnant women about their diet and how a supplement intake can reduce the risk of inadequate intake for many micronutrients and improve their pregnancy outcomes is of great importance.

A pharmacokinetic assessment of optimal dosing, preparation, and chronotherapy of aspirin in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of aspirin in preventing preeclampsia is well established; however, studies over the years have demonstrated variability in outcomes with its use. Potential contributing factors to this variation in efficacy include dosing, time of dosing, and preparation of aspirin. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the difference in pharmacokinetics of aspirin, through its major active metabolite, salicylic acid, in pregnant women and nonpregnant women, and to examine the effect of dose (100 mg vs 150 mg), preparation (enteric coated vs non-enteric-coated), and chronotherapy of aspirin (morning vs evening) between the 2 groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve high-risk pregnant women and 3 nonpregnant women were enrolled in this study. Pregnant women were in 1 of 4 groups (100 mg enteric coated, 100 mg non-enteric-coated, 150 mg non-enteric-coated morning dosing, and 150 mg non-enteric-coated evening dosing), whereas nonpregnant women undertook each of the 4 dosing schedules with at least a 30-day washout period. Blood samples were collected at baseline (before ingestion) and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after ingestion of aspirin. Plasma obtained was analyzed for salicylic acid levels by means of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic values of area under the curve from time point 0 to 24 hours point of maximum concentration, time of maximum concentration, volume of distribution, clearance, and elimination half-life were analyzed for statistical significance with SPSS v25 software. RESULTS: Pregnant women had a 40% ± 4% reduction in area under the curve from time point 0 to 24 hours (P < .01) and 29% ± 3% reduction in point of maximum concentration (P < .01) with a 44% ± 8% increase in clearance (P < .01) in comparison to that in nonpregnant women when 100 mg aspirin was administered. The reduction in the area under the curve from time point 0 to 24 hours, however, was minimized with the use of 150 mg aspirin in pregnant women, with which the area under the curve from time point 0 to 24 hours was closer to that achieved with the use of 100 mg aspirin in nonpregnant women. There was a 4-hour delay (P < .01) in the time of maximum concentration, a 47% ± 3% reduction in point of maximum concentration (P < .01) and a 48% ± 1% increase in volume of distribution (P < .01) with the use of 100 mg enteric-coated aspirin compared to non-enteric-coated aspirin, with no difference in the overall area under the curve. There was no difference in the pharmacokinetics of aspirin between morning and evening dosing. CONCLUSION: There is a reduction in the total drug metabolite concentration of aspirin in pregnancy, and therefore a dose adjustment is potentially required in pregnant women. This is likely due to the altered pharmacokinetics of aspirin in pregnancy, with an increase in clearance. There was no difference in the total drug metabolite concentration of aspirin between enteric-coated and non-enteric-coated aspirin and between morning and evening dosing of aspirin. Further pharmacodynamic and clinical studies are required to examine the clinical relevance of these pharmacokinetic findings.

Impact of Micronutrient Status during Pregnancy on Early Nutrition Programming.

BACKGROUND: Nutrition status prior to conception and during pregnancy and infancy seems to have an influence on the disease risk in adulthood (early nutrition/developmental programming). We aimed to review the current knowledge on the role of micronutrients in early nutrition programming and its implications for healthcare. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Globally and even in high-income countries where a balanced diet is generally accessible, an inadequate maternal micronutrient status is common. This may induce health problems in the mother and foetus/newborn both immediately and in later life. Pregnant women and those who may become pregnant should aim to achieve a satisfactory micronutrient status from a well-balanced diet, and where necessary from additional supplements. Key Messages: We emphasise the need for a call to action for healthcare providers and policymakers to better educate women of child-bearing age regarding the short- and long-term benefits of an appropriate micronutrient status. The role of micronutrient status in early nutrition programming needs to be emphasized more to address the still limited awareness of the potential long-term health repercussions of suboptimal micronutrient supply during pregnancy.

Acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aimed at summarizing and evaluating the evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using acupuncture to improve endometrial receptivity (ER). METHODS: We searched 12 databases electronically through August 2018 without language restrictions. We included RCTs of women of infertility due to low ER, and excluded infertility caused by other reasons or non-RCTs. Two independent reviewers extracted the characteristics of studies and resolved the differences through consensus. Data were pooled and expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We found very low to moderate level of evidence that acupuncture may improve pregnancy rate (RR = 1.23 95%CI[1.13, 1.34] P < 0.00001) and embryo transfer rate (RR = 2.04 95%CI[1.13, 3.70] P = 0.02), increase trilinear endometrium (RR = 1.47 95%CI [1.27, 1.70] P < 0.00001), thicken endometrium (SMD = 0.41 95% CI [0.11, 0.72] P = 0.008), reduce resistive index (RI) (MD = -0.08 95% CI [- 0.15, - 0.02] P = 0.01), pulse index (PI) (SMD = -2.39 95% CI [- 3.85, - 0.93] P = 0.001) and peak systolic velocity/ end-diastolic blood velocity (S/D) (SMD = -0.60 95% CI [- 0.89, - 0.30] P < 0.0001), compared with medication, sham acupuncture or physiotherapy. Acupuncture was statistically significant as a treatment approach. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of acupuncture on key outcomes in women with low ER is statistically significant, but the level of most evidence was very low or low. More large-scale, long-term RCTs with rigorous methodologies are needed.

[Vegetarian diet in pregnancy and lactation - safety and rules of balancing meal plan in the aspect of optimal fetal and infant development]. / Dieta wegetarianska w ciazy i okresie laktacji ­ bezpieczenstwo i zasady bilansowania jadlospisu w aspekcie optymalnego rozwoju plodu i noworodka.

Pregnancy is a period of intense fetal development, as well as maternal physiological adaptation. During this period a varied diet is particularly important, as intake of macronutrients and micronutrients directly affects pregnancy outcome and the quality of breast milk. The dietary recommendations for pregnant women are indeed very similar to those for other adults, but with a few remarkable exceptions. Therefore, it is important to evaluate, monitor, and, when appropriate, make changes to improve maternal nutrition both before and during pregnancy and lactation, while respecting patients' choices. Growing interest of vegetarian diets needs to be included, as pregnant women may present with unique nutrient deficiencies. However, evidencebased reviews showed that "vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate in pregnancy and result in positive maternal and infant health outcomes". This statements is supported by worldwide nutrition specialists, though, the risk and consequences of nutrient deficiencies is emphasized. The nutritional adequacy of a vegetarian diet must be judged individually, not on the basis of what it is called, but on the type, amount, variety and bioavaliability of nutrients that are consumed. Special consideration is required for proteins, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, following advices regarding micronutrients supplementation is essential. This article provides guidelines for counseling vegetarian patients in prenatal and postnatal care.

The Role of Vitamin D in Fertility and during Pregnancy and Lactation: A Review of Clinical Data.

Vitamin D deficiency is common and there exists a huge gap between recommended dietary vitamin D intakes and the poor vitamin D supply in the general population. While vitamin D is important for musculoskeletal health, there are accumulating data suggesting that vitamin D may also be important for fertility, pregnancy outcomes and lactation. Significant changes in vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy such as increased production of the "active vitamin D hormone" calcitriol support the important role of vitamin D in this setting. Observational studies show that vitamin D deficiency is a risk marker for reduced fertility and various adverse pregnancy outcomes and is associated with a low vitamin D content of breast milk. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) document that physiological vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy is safe and improves vitamin D and calcium status, thereby protecting skeletal health. Although certain RCTs and/or meta-analyses reported some other beneficial effects, it is still not clear whether vitamin D supplementation improves fertility or decreases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, pre-eclampsia and neonatal mortality, or reduces wheeze/asthma in the infants. Nevertheless, vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women is frequently required to achieve a sufficient vitamin D status as recommended by nutritional vitamin D guidelines. In this review, we provide an overview of systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large trials reporting clinical data on the role of vitamin D for fertility, pregnancy and lactation.

Effects of maternity yoga on the autonomic nervous system during pregnancy.

AIM: To elucidate the changes in the daily variation seen in the autonomic nervous system during pregnancy brought about by maternity yoga and to evaluate how maternal yoga affects stress and sleep. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted between January 2013 and December 2014. Pregnant women who were attending maternity yoga classes at Palmore Hospital between 20 and 23 weeks' gestation were enrolled as the yoga group, and a matched control group was also enrolled. Study participants completed questionnaires, including a perceived stress scale and sleep logs, during their second and third trimesters. Heart rate variability and salivary α-amylase levels were evaluated as stress indices at 20-23 weeks' gestation, 28-31 weeks' gestation and 36-40 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: A total of 38 women were in the yoga group, with 53 in the control group. At 28-31 weeks' gestation, heart rate variability during night and late-night periods was significantly higher in the yoga group than in the control group. At 36-40 weeks' gestation, variability between the morning, afternoon and late night was significantly higher in the yoga group. Salivary α-amylase levels decreased significantly immediately after practicing yoga during all evaluation periods in the yoga group. Night-time sleep duration was significantly longer in the yoga group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that practicing yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system during the third trimester of pregnancy, consolidating sleep during the night and decreasing α-amylase levels, which indicates reduced stress.

Effects of pre-lambing maternal energy supplementation on post-weaning productive performance and thermoregulatory capacity of heat-stressed male lambs.

Nutritional requirements of sheep during late gestation increase as a consequence of high fetal growth, mammary tissue development and colostrum synthesis. While prepartum energy supplementation is a nutritional strategy to improve lamb postnatal performance in thermoneutral environments, this has not been studied under heat stress. This study aimed to evaluate effects of maternal energy supplementation during the last third of pregnancy on post-weaning feedlot performance and thermoregulation capacity of heat-stressed male lambs born from multiple births. Twenty Dorper x Pelibuey entire male lambs with initial body weight of 18.2 ±â€¯0.4 kg, aged 2.7 mo (weaned) and born in multiple pregnancies were used in a 32 d feeding study. Treatments were based in the prenatal origin of the lambs: 1) ewes fed 100 (n = 10, Control) and 2) 125% (n = 10, Supplemented) of metabolizable energy requirements from day 100 of gestation to lambing. Lambs were housed outdoor in individual pens under summer environment conditions in an arid region (temperature = 36 ±â€¯4.4 °C and temperature-humidity index = 81 ±â€¯3.9 units). Overall feedlot performance was not affected by pre-partum maternal feeding, although lower (P = 0.04) growth rate and feed efficiency occurred during the last 8 d of the study in lambs born from supplemented ewes. Rectal temperature, respiratory rate and hair coat temperature during daytime were unaffected by prepartum supplementation. Serum concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, urea, total protein and thyroid hormones were similar between lambs born from control and supplemented ewes. It is concluded that, in hair sheep breeds, prepartum energy supplementation did not alter overall post-weaning productive performance and thermoregulation capacity of heat-stressed male lambs that were born in multiple pregnancies.

Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy Improves Neurobehavioral Development in Rat Offspring.

Maternal folate status during pregnancy may influence central nervous system (CNS) development in offspring. However, the recommended intakes of folic acid for women of childbearing age differ among countries and there is still no consensus about whether folic acid should be supplemented continuously throughout pregnancy. We hypothesized that folic acid supplementation may be more beneficial for offspring's neurobehavioral development if prolonged throughout pregnancy instead of being limited to the periconceptional period. In this study, three groups of the female rats were fed folate-normal, folate-deficient, or folate-supplemented diets throughout pregnancy. In another group, the female rats were fed folate-supplemented diet from mating for 10 consecutive days and then fed folate-normal diet for remainder days of pregnancy. The results showed that maternal folate deficiency increased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentration in dams, delayed early sensory-motor reflex development, impaired spatial learning and memory ability, and caused ultrastructural damages in the hippocampus of offspring. Maternal folic acid supplementation would be more effective on improving early sensory-motor reflex development and spatial learning and memory ability in offspring if prolonged throughout pregnancy instead of being limited to the periconceptional period. In conclusion, prolonged maternal folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy would be more effective in neurobehavioral development of offspring in rats.

Bisphenol and phthalate concentrations and its determinants among pregnant women in a population-based cohort in the Netherlands, 2004-5.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to bisphenols and phthalates in pregnancy may lead to adverse health effects in women themselves and their offspring. OBJECTIVE: To describe first trimester bisphenol and phthalate urine concentrations, including bisphenol and phthalate replacements, and determine nutritional, socio-demographic and lifestyle related determinants. METHODS: In a population-based prospective cohort of 1396 mothers, we measured first trimester bisphenol, phthalate and creatinine urine concentrations (samples collected in 2004-2005, median gestational age 12.9 weeks [inter-quartile range (IQR) 12.1-14.4]). We examined associations of potential determinants with log-transformed bisphenol and phthalate concentrations. Outcomes were back-transformed. Nutritional analyses were performed in a subgroup of 642 Dutch participants only, as the Food Frequency Questionnaire was aimed at Dutch food patterns. RESULTS: Bisphenol A, bisphenol S, and bisphenol F were detected in 79.2%, 67.8% and 40.2% of the population, respectively. Mono-n-butylphthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate and monobenzylphthalate were detected in > 90% of the population. Nutritional intake was not associated with bisphenol and phthalate concentrations after correction for multiple testing was applied. Obesity was associated with higher high-molecular-weight phthalate concentrations and the lack of folic acid supplement use with higher di-n-octylphthalate concentrations (respective mean differences were 46.73nmol/l [95% CI 14.56-93.72] and 1.03nmol/l [0.31-2.06]). CONCLUSION: Bisphenol S and F exposure was highly prevalent in pregnant women in the Netherlands as early as 2004-5. Although associations of dietary and other key factors with bisphenol and phthalate concentrations were limited, adverse lifestyle factors including obesity and the lack of folic acid supplement use seem to be associated with higher phthalate concentrations in pregnant women. The major limitation was the availability of only one urine sample per participant. However, since phthalates are reported to be quite stable over time, results concerning determinants of phthalate concentrations are expected to be robust.