Trends in caesarean section rates in Europe from 2015 to 2019 using Robson's Ten Group Classification System: A Euro-Peristat study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in caesarean section (CS) rates in Europe from 2015 to 2019 and utilise the Robson Ten Group Classification System (TGCS) to evaluate the contribution of different obstetric populations to overall CS rates and trends. DESIGN: Observational study utilising routine birth registry data. SETTING: A total of 28 European countries. POPULATION: Births at ≥22 weeks of gestation in 2015 and 2019. METHODS: Using a federated model, individual-level data from routine sources in each country were formatted to a common data model and transformed into anonymised, aggregated data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: By country: overall CS rate. For TGCS groups (by country): CS rate, relative size, relative and absolute contribution to overall CS rate. RESULTS: Among the 28 European countries, both the CS rates (2015, 16.0%-55.9%; 2019, 16.0%-52.2%) and the trends varied (from -3.7% to +4.7%, with decreased rates in nine countries, maintained rates in seven countries (≤ ± 0.2) and with increasing rates in 12 countries). Using the TGCS (for 17 countries), in most countries labour induction increased (groups 2a and 4a), whereas multiple pregnancies (group 8) decreased. In countries with decreasing overall CS rates, CS tended to decrease across all TGCS groups, whereas in countries with increasing rates, CS tended to increase in most groups. In countries with the greatest increase in CS rates (>1%), the absolute contributions of groups 1 (nulliparous term cephalic singletons, spontaneous labour), 2a and 4a (induction of labour), 2b and 4b (prelabour CS) and 10 (preterm cephalic singletons) to the overall CS rate tended to increase. CONCLUSIONS: The TGCS shows varying CS trends and rates among countries of Europe. Comparisons between European countries, particularly those with differing trends, could provide insight into strategies to reduce CS without clinical indication.

Gestational weight gain adequacy and intrapartum oxytocin and cesarean section use: Observational population-based study in France.

INTRODUCTION: Research on maternal prepregnancy weight suggests adiposity is associated with dysfunctional labor, but knowledge about how gestational weight gain (GWG) affects labor is sparse. Our objective was to evaluate associations between GWG adequacy and intrapartum obstetric interventions (oxytocin administration; cesarean section) necessitated by labor dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using national, population-based French National Perinatal Survey 2016 data, we included term cephalic singleton pregnancies involving trial of labor (n = 9724). For the intrapartum oxytocin administration analysis, we included only women with spontaneous labor (n = 7352). GWG was calculated as the difference between end of pregnancy and prepregnancy weight (both self-reported) and categorized as insufficient, adequate (reference group), or excessive by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI; underweight <18.5, normal weight 18.5-24.9, overweight 25-29.9, obese ≥30 kg/m2 ) using the 2009 Institute of Medicine thresholds. Multilevel generalized estimating equation logistic regression models, unadjusted and adjusted for a priori confounders, evaluated intervention-GWG adequacy associations within BMI categories (under/normal weight combined), stratified by parity (primiparas; multiparas). RESULTS: GWG adequacy was associated with oxytocin use among under/normal weight women (primiparas: insufficient 57.3%, adequate 60.8%, excessive 65.0%, p = 0.014; multiparas: insufficient 27.2%, adequate 29.1%, excessive 36.2%, p < 0.001) and overweight primiparas (insufficient 56.0%, adequate 58.7%, excessive 72.5%, p = 0.002). In unadjusted and adjusted models, trends of increased odds of oxytocin administration among women with excessive GWG were found regardless of parity and prepregnancy BMI. Similarly, among under/normal weight women, GWG adequacy was associated with intrapartum cesarean section (primiparas: insufficient 10.7%, adequate 12.7%, excessive 15.3%, p = 0.014; multiparas: insufficient 3.1%, adequate 3.5%, excessive 6.3%, p < 0.001) with increased cesarean section among multiparas with excessive GWG persisting in adjusted models (adjusted odds ratio 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.3-2.7). However, intrapartum cesarean section was reduced among multiparas with overweight and obese prepregnancy BMI and excessive GWG. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive GWG was associated with intrapartum oxytocin administration, regardless of parity or prepregnancy BMI, and cesarean section among women with under/normal weight prepregnancy BMI, providing evidence for benefits of healthy GWG for normal labor progression. Additional research is needed to verify our findings and understand differences by BMI.

Gestational weight gain adequacy among twin pregnancies in France.

The objective of this paper is to describe gestational weight gain (GWG), to assess the applicability of the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, and to derive a GWG adequacy classification within a French cohort. We included twins from the national, prospective, population-based JUmeaux MODe d'Accouchement (JUMODA) cohort study (2014-2015). Following the IOM approach, we selected a 'standard' population of term pregnancies with 'optimal' birthweight (≥2500 g; n = 2562). GWG adequacy (insufficient; adequate; excessive) was defined using IOM recommendations (normal body mass index [BMI]: 16.8-24.5 kg [also utilized for underweight BMI]; overweight: 14.1-22.7 kg; obese: 11.4-19.1 kg). Additionally, using the IOM approach, we determined the 25th and 75th percentiles of GWG in our standard population to create a JUMODA-derived GWG adequacy classification. GWG and GWG adequacy were described, overall and by BMI and parity. In the JUMODA standard population of term twin livebirths with optimal birthweight, mean GWG was 16.1 kg (standard deviation 6.3). Using IOM recommendations, almost half (46.5%) of the women had insufficient and few (10.0%) had excessive GWG, with similar results regardless of BMI or parity. The 25th and 75th percentiles of GWG in the JUMODA standard population (underweight: 13-21 kg; normal weight: 13-20 kg; overweight: 11-19 kg; obese: 7-16 kg) were lower than the IOM recommendations. The IOM recommendations classified a relatively high percentage of French women as having insufficient and a low percentage as having excessive GWG. Additional research to evaluate recommendations in relation to adverse perinatal outcomes is needed to determine whether the IOM recommendations or the JUMODA-derived classification is more appropriate for French twin gestations.

Feasibility of Conducting a Trial Assessing Benefits and Risks of Planned Caesarean Section Versus Planned Vaginal Birth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Though interest is growing for trials comparing planned delivery mode (vaginal delivery [VD]; cesarean section [CS]) in low-risk nulliparous women, appropriate study design is unclear. Our objective was to assess feasibility of three designs (preference trial [PCT], randomized controlled trial [RCT], partially randomized patient preference trial [PRPPT]) for a trial comparing planned delivery mode in low-risk women. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of low-risk, nulliparous pregnant women (N = 416) and healthcare providers (N = 168) providing prenatal care and/or labor/delivery services was conducted in Argentina (2 public, 2 private hospitals). Proportion of pregnant women and providers willing to participate in each design and reasons for not participating were determined. RESULTS: Few women (< 15%) or professionals (33.3%) would participate in an RCT, though more would participate in PCTs (88% women; 65.9% professionals) or PRPPTs (44.4% public, 63.4% private sector women; 44.0% professionals). However, most women would choose vaginal delivery in the PCT and PRPPT (> 85%). Believing randomization unacceptable (RCT, PRPPT) and desiring choice of delivery mode (RCT) were women's reasons for not participating. For providers, commonly cited reasons for not participating included unacceptability of performing CS without medical indication, difficulty obtaining informed consent, discomfort enrolling patients (all designs), and violating women's right to choose (RCT). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Important limitations were found for each trial design evaluated. The necessity of stronger evidence regarding delivery mode in low-risk women suggests consideration of additional designs, such as a rigorously designed cohort study or an RCT within an obstetric population with equivocal CS indications.

Intrauterine growth discordance across gestation and birthweight discordance in dichorionic twins.

BACKGROUND: Although intertwin size difference is an important measure of fetal growth, the appropriate cut point to define discordance is unclear. Few studies have assessed intertwin differences in estimated fetal weight longitudinally or in relation to size differences at birth. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to estimate the magnitude of percentage differences in estimated fetal weight across gestation in dichorionic twins in relation to a fixed discordance cut point and compare classification of aberrant fetal growth by different measures (estimated fetal weight differences, birthweight discordance, small for gestational age). STUDY DESIGN: Women aged 18-45 years from 8 US centers with dichorionic twin pregnancies at 8 weeks 0 days to 13 weeks 6 days gestation planning to deliver in participating hospitals were recruited into the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies-Dichorionic Twins study and followed through delivery (n = 140; 2012-2013). Ultrasounds were conducted at 6 targeted study visits to obtain fetal biometrics and calculate estimated fetal weight. Percent estimated fetal weight and birthweight differences were calculated: ([weightlarger - weightsmaller]/weightlarger)*100; discordance was defined as ≥18% for illustration. Birth sizes for gestational age (both, 1, or neither small for gestational age) were determined; twins were categorized into combined birthweight plus small for gestational age groups: birthweight discordance ≥18% (yes, no) with both, 1, or neither small for gestational age. Linear mixed-models estimated percentiles of estimated fetal weight percent differences across gestation and compared estimated fetal weight differences between combined birthweight discordance and small for gestational age groups. A Fisher exact test compared birthweight discordance and small for gestational age classifications. RESULTS: Median estimated fetal weight percentage difference increased across gestation (5.9% at 15.0, 8.4% at 38.0 weeks), with greater disparities at higher percentiles (eg, 90th percentile: 15.6% at 15.0, 26.3% at 38.0 weeks). As gestation advanced, an increasing percentage of pregnancies were classified as discordant using a fixed cut point: 10% at 27.0, 15% at 34.0, and 20% at 38.0 weeks. Birthweight discordance and small for gestational age classifications differed (P = .002); for birthweight discordance ≥18% vs <18%: 44% vs 71% had neither small for gestational age; 56% vs 18% had 1 small for gestational age; no cases (0%) vs 11% had both small for gestational age, respectively. Estimated fetal weight percent difference varied across gestation by birthweight discordance plus small for gestational age classification (P = .040). Estimated fetal weight percentage difference increased with birthweight discordance ≥18% (neither small for gestational age: 0.46%/week [95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.84]; 1 small for gestational age: 0.57%/week [95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.90]) but less so without birthweight discordance (neither small for gestational age: 0.17%/week [95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.28]; 1 small for gestational age: 0.03%/week [95% confidence interval, -0.17 to 0.24]); both small for gestational age: 0.10%/week [95% confidence interval, -0.15 to 0.36]). CONCLUSION: The percentage of dichorionic pregnancies exceeding a fixed discordance cut point increased over gestation. A fixed cut point for defining twin discordance would identify an increasing percentage of twins as discordant as gestation advances. Small for gestational age and percentage weight differences assess distinct aspects of dichorionic twin growth. A percentile cut point may be more clinically useful for defining discordance, although further study is required to assess whether any specific percentile cut point correlates to adverse outcomes.

Associations between estimated foetal weight discordance and clinical characteristics within dichorionic twins: The NICHD Fetal Growth Studies.

BACKGROUND: Birthweight discordance is well studied, with less known about longitudinal inter-twin differences in foetal growth. OBJECTIVE: To examine inter-twin per cent differences in EFW (EFW% ), head (HC% ) and abdominal circumference (AC% ), and femur length (FL% ) across gestation in dichorionic twin gestations and explore associated characteristics. METHODS: Foetal biometrics were assessed by ultrasound and EFW calculated at ≤6 study visits among women with dichorionic twin pregnancies enrolled in the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies cohort (US, 2012-2013). Inter-twin per cent difference was defined: ([Sizelarger twin  - Sizesmaller twin ]/Sizelarger twin  × 100). Linear mixed models evaluated per cent differences in foetal biometrics at 15 weeks and their change per week overall and by maternal/neonatal characteristics in unadjusted and adjusted models. RESULTS: In 140 pregnancies, inter-twin per cent differences increased across gestation for EFW (0.18%/week, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, 0.27), HC (0.03%/week, 95% CI 0.00, 0.06), and AC (0.03%/week, 95%CI -0.01, 0.08) but decreased for FL (-0.03%/week, 95% CI -0.09, 0.02). After adjustment, change in EFW% difference across gestation differed by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI [kg/m2 ]; underweight [<18.5]; normal weight [18.5-24.9]; overweight [25.0-29.9]; obese [≥30.0]; Pinteraction  = .022); and conception method (in vitro fertilisation [IVF], intrauterine insemination, ovulation induction medication, donor egg/embryo, none; Pinteraction  = .060). While EFW% difference increased with normal pre-pregnancy BMI (0.24%/week, 95% CI 0.12, 0.37), little change was noted with pre-pregnancy obesity (0.01%/week, 95% CI -0.15, 0.17). EFW% difference increased in conceptions without fertility treatments (0.23%/week, 95% CI 0.11, 0.34) but not IVF conceptions (-0.00%/week, 95% CI -0.16, 0.16). Similar patterns of differences across gestation were noted for HC% by conception method (Pinteraction  = .026) and AC% by pre-pregnancy BMI (Pinteraction  = .071); changes in HC% differed by parity (nulliparous, multiparous; Pinteraction  = .004). CONCLUSIONS: EFW% difference increased across gestation in dichorionic twins, but remained stable with pre-pregnancy obesity or IVF conception, patterns mirrored for HC and AC. Research is needed to understand pathologic versus physiologic differential twin growth trajectories.

Sources of influence on pregnant women's preferred mode of delivery in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Understanding influences on women's preferred delivery mode is vital for planning interventions to reduce cesarean rates and for ensuring that women receive correct information. Our objectives were to: determine if sources of information influencing a pregnant woman's preferred delivery mode and knowledge of cesarean indications differ by sociodemographic characteristics; to conduct a factor analysis of items related to information sources influencing this preference; and to determine if knowledge differs by information sources influencing this preference or their underlying latent constructs. METHODS: Data from a prospective cohort study conducted in Buenos Aires was analyzed. Healthy nulliparous women aged 18-35, at >32 weeks of gestation and with live, singleton pregnancies participated. The primary research questions were evaluated using Chi-square tests, factor analysis, logistic regression, and generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: A total of 382 women participated in the study. Women of lower socioeconomic status were more influenced by people, magazines and TV/movies in their mode of delivery preferences, and had poorer knowledge of cesarean indications. Sources of influence for preferred delivery mode and factors derived in factor analysis were not associated with knowledge level when considered individually or together, or when adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, or when accounting for clustering by the hospital sector (public or private). CONCLUSIONS: Higher socioeconomic status is associated with being less influenced by people and with better knowledge of indications for cesarean delivery. Knowledge of cesarean indications was not associated with the source of information about mode of delivery preferences.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Sleep Disorders and Reporting of Trouble Sleeping Among Women of Childbearing Age in the United States.

Objectives Whether racial/ethnic differences in prevalence/reporting of sleep disorders exist in pregnant women/women of child-bearing age is unknown. Study objectives were to estimate prevalence of sleep disorders and to examine racial/ethnic differences in sleep disorders, reporting of sleep issues, and amount of sleep among women of child-bearing age (15-44 years) in the US. Methods Through a secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010 (3175 non-pregnant, 432 pregnant women in main analysis), prevalence of sleep disorders, reporting of sleep disorders to a physician/health professional, and amount of sleep were estimated overall, by pregnancy status, and by race/ethnicity stratified by pregnancy status. Racial/ethnic differences in reporting of trouble sleeping by pregnancy status were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Prevalence of diagnosed sleep disorders among women of childbearing age was 4.9 % [3.9 % pregnant; 5.1 % non-pregnant (p < 0.01)]. Significantly fewer pregnant and non-pregnant minority women reported adequate sleep (7-8 h) than non-Hispanic white (white) women (p < 0.05). Among non-pregnant women, odds of report of trouble sleeping were significantly higher for white compared to black (aOR 0.47 [95 % CI 0.36, 0.61]) or Mexican-American women (aOR 0.29 [95 % CI 0.21, 0.41]); non-pregnant minority women were also significantly less likely to report trouble sleeping than white women when controlling for amount of sleep. Among pregnant women, these same trends were found. Discussion Compared to white women, minority women, despite reporting less adequate sleep, are less likely to report trouble sleeping, providing evidence of an important health disparity.

Maternal characteristics associated with gestational weight gain in France: a population-based, nationally representative study.

OBJECTIVES: To provide nationally representative estimates of gestational weight gain (GWG) and identify maternal characteristics associated with inadequate GWG in France. DESIGN: A population-based study using data from the French National Perinatal Survey: 2010 and 2016. SETTING: All maternity units in metropolitan, mainland France (n=535 in 2010; n=493 in 2016). PARTICIPANTS: Singleton live births with GWG data (N=24 850). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: GWG was calculated as end of pregnancy minus pre-pregnancy weight (kg) and categorised as 'insufficient', 'adequate', or 'excessive' using 2009 Institute of Medicine thresholds. Classification accounted for pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2; underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), obese (≥30)) and gestational age at birth. We estimated average GWG and the percentage of women in each GWG category. Polytomous logistic regression identified characteristics associated with GWG adequacy. RESULTS: Average GWG was 13.0 kg (SD 5.6), with 26.8% of women gaining insufficiently, 37.0% adequately and 36.1% excessively. Among other factors, insufficient GWG was associated with underweight (vs normal weight; adjusted OR (aOR) 1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.5) and obese (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 1.7) BMI. Excessive GWG was associated with overweight (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 3.1) and obese BMI (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.9 to 3.6). Examining obesity classes separately, odds of insufficient GWG increased from obesity class I to III, while odds of excessive GWG decreased from obesity class I to III. Primiparity (insufficient: aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.0; excessive: aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.3), maternal characteristics indicative of lower socioeconomic status, and continuing or quitting smoking during pregnancy were also associated with inadequate GWG. CONCLUSIONS: In France, insufficient and excessive GWG are common. For optimal outcomes, clinician education, with special attention to the needs of higher risk/vulnerable groups, is needed to ensure all women receive appropriate advice for recommended GWG.

Association Between Maternal Caffeine Consumption and Metabolism and Neonatal Anthropometry: A Secondary Analysis of the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons.

Importance: Higher caffeine consumption during pregnancy has been associated with lower birth weight. However, associations of caffeine consumption, based on both plasma concentrations of caffeine and its metabolites, and self-reported caffeinated beverage intake, with multiple measures of neonatal anthropometry, have yet to be examined. Objective: To evaluate the association between maternal caffeine intake and neonatal anthropometry, testing effect modification by fast or slow caffeine metabolism genotype. Design, Setting, and Participants: A longitudinal cohort study, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons, enrolled 2055 nonsmoking women at low risk for fetal growth abnormalities with complete information on caffeine consumption from 12 US clinical sites between 2009 and 2013. Secondary analysis was completed in 2020. Exposures: Caffeine was evaluated by both plasma concentrations of caffeine and paraxanthine and self-reported caffeinated beverage consumption measured/reported at 10-13 weeks gestation. Caffeine metabolism defined as fast or slow using genotype information from the single nucleotide variant rs762551 (CYP1A2*1F). Main Outcomes and Measures: Neonatal anthropometric measures, including birth weight, length, and head, abdominal, arm, and thigh circumferences, skin fold and fat mass measures. The ß coefficients represent the change in neonatal anthropometric measure per SD change in exposure. Results: A total of 2055 participants had a mean (SD) age of 28.3 (5.5) years, mean (SD) body mass index of 23.6 (3.0), and 580 (28.2%) were Hispanic, 562 (27.4%) were White, 518 (25.2%) were Black, and 395 (19.2%) were Asian/Pacific Islander. Delivery occurred at a mean (SD) of 39.2 (1.7) gestational weeks. Compared with the first quartile of plasma caffeine level (≤28 ng/mL), neonates of women in the fourth quartile (>659 ng/mL) had lower birth weight (ß = -84.3 g; 95% CI, -145.9 to -22.6 g; P = .04 for trend), length (ß = -0.44 cm; 95% CI, -0.78 to -0.12 cm; P = .04 for trend), and head (ß = -0.28 cm; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.09 cm; P < .001 for trend), arm (ß = -0.25 cm; 95% CI, -0.41 to -0.09 cm: P = .02 for trend), and thigh (ß = -0.29 cm; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.04 cm; P = .07 for trend) circumference. Similar reductions were observed for paraxanthine quartiles, and for continuous measures of caffeine and paraxanthine concentrations. Compared with women who reported drinking no caffeinated beverages, women who consumed approximately 50 mg per day (~ 1/2 cup of coffee) had neonates with lower birth weight (ß = -66 g; 95% CI, -121 to -10 g), smaller arm (ß = -0.17 cm; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.02 cm) and thigh (ß = -0.32 cm; 95% CI, -0.55 to -0.09 cm) circumference, and smaller anterior flank skin fold (ß = -0.24 mm; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.01 mm). Results did not differ by fast or slow caffeine metabolism genotype. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, small reductions in neonatal anthropometric measurements with increasing caffeine consumption were observed. Findings suggest that caffeine consumption during pregnancy, even at levels much lower than the recommended 200 mg per day of caffeine, are associated with decreased fetal growth.

Association between early gestation passive smoke exposure and neonatal size among self-reported non-smoking women by race/ethnicity: A cohort study.

Understanding implications of passive smoke exposure during pregnancy is an important public health issue under the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease paradigm. In a prospective cohort of low-risk non-smoking pregnant women (NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons, 2009-2013, N = 2055), the association between first trimester passive smoke exposure and neonatal size was assessed by race/ethnicity. Plasma biomarker concentrations (cotinine, nicotine) assessed passive smoke exposure. Neonatal anthropometric measures included weight, 8 non-skeletal, and 2 skeletal measures. Linear regression evaluated associations between continuous biomarker concentrations and neonatal anthropometric measures by race/ethnicity. Cotinine concentrations were low and the percent above limit of quantification varied by maternal race/ethnicity (10% Whites; 14% Asians; 15% Hispanics; 49% Blacks). The association between cotinine concentration and infant weight differed by race/ethnicity (Pinteraction = 0.034); compared to women of the same race/ethnicity, per 1 log-unit increase in cotinine, weight increased 48g (95%CI -44, 139) in White and 51g (95%CI -81, 183) in Hispanic women, but decreased -90g (95%CI -490, 309) in Asian and -93g (95%CI -151, -35) in Black women. Consistent racial/ethnic differences and patterns were found for associations between biomarker concentrations and multiple non-skeletal measures for White and Black women (Pinteraction<0.1). Among Black women, an inverse association between cotinine concentration and head circumference was observed (-0.20g; 95%CI -0.38, -0.02). Associations between plasma cotinine concentration and neonatal size differed by maternal race/ethnicity, with increasing concentrations associated with decreasing infant size among Black women, who had the greatest biomarker concentrations. Public health campaigns should advocate for reducing pregnancy exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Maternal preconception lipid profile and gestational lipid changes in relation to birthweight outcomes.

In 575 women with 1-2 prior pregnancy losses; total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated preconception and throughout pregnancy to evaluate whether previously observed associations between third trimester maternal lipid profile and birthweight outcomes are driven by preconception lipids or lipid changes during pregnancy. Lipid trajectories were compared by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) <25 or ≥25 kg/m2; logistic regression models evaluated preconception lipid concentration and change from preconception to 28 weeks with adjusted odds of large- or small-for-gestational age (LGA or SGA) neonate by BMI group. Preconception lipid concentrations and gestational lipid trajectories varied by BMI group (P < 0.001). Preconception lipids were not associated with LGA or SGA in either group. A 10 mg/dL increase in HDL-C change from preconception to 28 weeks was associated with decreased odds of LGA (odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 0.86) and 10 mg/dL increase in TG change associated with increased odds of LGA (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.1) overall. For ≥25 BMI only, 10 mg/dL increase in HDL-C change was associated with decreased SGA odds (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.64). Gestational lipid trajectories differed by BMI group and were differentially associated with birthweight outcomes, with HDL-C more strongly associated with healthy birthweight in women with BMI ≥25.

Factors associated with postpartum depression in women from low socioeconomic level in Argentina: A hierarchical model approach.

PURPOSE: to estimate the prevalence of depression at 4-week postpartum using the Edinburgh postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) in women who delivered in a public maternity hospital in Argentina. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was carried out from March to August 2016 in northwest Argentina. Eligibility included delivering a singleton live birth 28 weeks of gestational age or over, 18 years or older and resided within 1h from the maternity hospital. Women were excluded if they or their newborn were in the intensive care unit. We defined a positive screening as an EPDS score of 10 or higher or a positive response to item 10, which indicates thoughts of self-harm. RESULTS: A total of 587 women were enrolled and 539 women completed the home visit interview and the EPDS. A total of 167 (31.0%, 95% CI 27.1-35.1) mothers screened positive in the EPDS using a score ≥ 10 and 99 (18.4%, 95% CI 15.1-21.6%) using a score ≥ 13, which indicate increased severity of depressive symptoms. In both cases, the 23 (4.3%) women that responded as having thoughts of self-harm were included. CONCLUSION: Nearly a third of women who participated had depressive symptoms at four weeks postpartum in a public hospital in Tucumán, Argentina. Socio-demographic, particularly personal psychiatric history, factors and social and cultural influences can impact results. Our results highlight the need for improved screening and better diagnostic tool for women with postpartum depression in Argentina and to investigate the impact of postpartum depressive symptoms on women's health and their families.