Higher Than Recommended Folic Acid Intakes is Associated with High Folate Status Throughout Pregnancy in a Prospective French-Canadian Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Folate and vitamin B12 status during pregnancy are important for maternal and neonatal health. Maternal intake and prepregnancy body mass index (ppBMI) can influence biomarker status. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to, throughout pregnancy; 1) assess folate and B12 status including serum total folate, plasma total vitamin B12, and homocysteine (tHcy); 2) examine how these biomarkers are associated with intakes of folate and B12 and with ppBMI; and 3) determine predictors of serum total folate and plasma total vitamin B12. METHODS: In each trimester (T1, T2, and T3), food and supplement intakes of 79 French-Canadian pregnant individuals were assessed by 3 dietary recalls (R24W) and a supplement use questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected. Serum total folate and plasma total vitamin B12 and tHcy were assessed by immunoassay (Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP). RESULTS: Participants were 32.1 ± 3.7 y and had a mean ppBMI of 25.7 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Serum total folate concentrations were high (>45.3 nmol/L, T1: 75.4 ± 55.1, T2: 69.1 ± 44.8, T3: 72.1 ± 52.1, P = 0.48). Mean plasma total vitamin B12 concentrations were >220 pmol/L (T1: 428 ± 175, T2: 321 ± 116, T3: 336 ± 128, P < 0.0001). Mean tHcy concentrations were <11 µmol/L across trimesters. Most participants (79.6%-86.1%) had a total folic acid intake above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL, >1000 µg/d). Supplement use accounted for 71.9%-76.1% and 35.3%-41.8% of total folic acid and vitamin B12 intakes, respectively. The ppBMI was not correlated with serum total folate (P > 0.1) but was weakly correlated with and predicted lower plasma total vitamin B12 in T3 (r = -0.23, P = 0.04; r2 = 0.08, standardized beta [sß] = -0.24, P = 0.01). Higher folic acid intakes from supplements predicted higher serum total folate (T1: r2 = 0.05, sß = 0.15, P = 0.04, T2: r2 = 0.28, sß = 0.56, P = 0.01, T3: r2 = 0.19, sß = 0.44, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most pregnant individuals had elevated serum total folate concentrations, reflecting total folic acid intakes above the UL driven by supplement use. Vitamin B12 concentrations were generally adequate and differed by ppBMI and pregnancy stage.

First-trimester diet quality in association with maternal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue thicknesses and glucose homeostasis during pregnancy.

We aimed to characterise the associations between first-trimester diet quality, adiposity, and glucose homeostasis measurements throughout pregnancy in a sample of 104 healthy pregnant women. Three Web-based 24-h recalls were completed, from which the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) was calculated. At each trimester (12.5 ± 0.7, 22.8 ± 1.0, and 33.6 ± 1.3 weeks of gestation), fasting glucose and insulin were measured to compute an insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue thicknesses were estimated by ultrasound at the end of the first trimester. Inverse associations were observed between the first-trimester AHEI and first-trimester fasting insulin (r = 0.24; p < 0.05), and HOMA-IR (r = -0.22; p < 0.05), as well as third-trimester fasting insulin (r = -0.20; p < 0.05). A trend was also observed between first-trimester AHEI and first-trimester SAT thickness (r = -0.17; p < 0.1). Pre- and early-pregnancy adiposity measurements were identified as high predictors fasting insulin concentrations throughout pregnancy. Higher early-pregnancy diet quality is associated with more favourable metabolic measurements during pregnancy.

Dietary intakes in pregnant women with previous bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE: To (1) assess dietary intakes of pregnant women with previous bariatric surgery in comparison with Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs); (2) compare their dietary intakes as well as their diet quality with a control group of pregnant women with no history of bariatric surgery. METHODS: Twenty-eight (28) pregnant women with previous surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, n = 7 and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, n = 21) were matched for pre-pregnancy body mass index with 28 pregnant women with no history of bariatric surgery. In at least one trimester, participants completed a minimum of 2 Web-based 24-h dietary recalls from which energy, macro- and micronutrient intakes as well as the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI) were derived. RESULTS: No differences were observed for energy intake between groups. All women had protein intakes within the recommended range, but most women with previous surgery had carbohydrate (67%) and dietary fiber intakes (98%) below recommendations. In both groups, mean total fat, saturated fatty acids, free sugars and sodium intakes were above recommendations, as opposed to mean vitamin D, folic acid and iron dietary intakes below recommendations for most women. Compared with the control group, pregnant women with previous bariatric surgery had lower overall C-HEI scores. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pregnant women with previous bariatric surgery would benefit from a nutritional follow-up throughout their pregnancy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Longitudinal Assessment of Vitamin D Status across Trimesters of Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of vitamin D status across pregnancy trimesters and its association with prepregnancy body mass index (ppBMI; in kg/m2) remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to 1) assess trimester-specific serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, 2) compare those concentrations between ppBMI categories, and 3) examine associations between 25(OH)D concentrations, ppBMI, and vitamin D intake. METHODS: As part of a prospective cohort study, 79 pregnant women with a mean age of 32.1 y and ppBMI of 25.7 kg/m2 were recruited in their first trimester (average 9.3 weeks of gestation). Each trimester, vitamin D intake was assessed by 3 Web-based 24-h recalls and a Web questionnaire on supplement use. Serum total 25(OH)D was measured by LC-tandem MS. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to assess the evolution of 25(OH)D concentrations across trimesters of pregnancy and comparisons of 25(OH)D concentrations between ppBMI categories were assessed by 1-factor ANOVAs. Stepwise regression analyses were used to identify determinants of 25(OH)D concentrations in the third trimester. RESULTS: Mean ± SD serum total 25(OH)D concentrations increased across trimesters, even after adjustments for ppBMI, seasonal variation, and vitamin D intake from supplements (67.5 ± 20.4, 86.5 ± 30.9, and 88.3 ± 29.0 nmol/L at mean ± SD 12.6 ± 0.8, 22.5 ± 0.8, and 33.0 ± 0.6 weeks of gestation, respectively; P < 0.0001). In the first and third trimesters, women with a ppBMI ≥30 had lower serum total 25(OH)D concentrations than women with a ppBMI <25 (P < 0.05); however, most had concentrations >40nmol/L by the second trimester. Vitamin D intake from supplements was the strongest determinant of third-trimester serum total 25(OH)D concentrations (r2 = 0.246, ß = 0.51; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in serum total 25(OH)D concentrations across trimesters, independent of ppBMI, seasonal variation, and vitamin D intake from supplements. Almost all women had serum total 25(OH)D concentrations over the 40- and 50-nmol/L thresholds, thus our study supports the prenatal use of a multivitamin across pregnancy.

Translation and Cultural Validation of the WERF EPHect Endometriosis Patient Questionnaire into Canadian French.

OBJECTIVE: To produce a culturally validated Canadian French version of the Standard EPHect Endometriosis Patient Questionnaire (EPQ-S) from the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF). METHODS: We studied 17 premenopausal women who were seen for pelvic pain symptoms or suspicion of endometriosis at the gynaecology clinic of the CHU de Québec - Université Laval (Québec City, Canada). Participants completed the French language version of the questionnaire at their first visit, and the validation took place about 1 week later. RESULTS: All 22 of the invited women agreed to participate, of whom 17 were reached for the validation. The mean age of participants was 38.9 years, and 15 (88%) had a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis. Fourteen participants (82%) found the questionnaire clear and relevant. The average length of time to complete the questionnaire was 36.25 ± 10.8 minutes. The validation process resulted in the addition of lines at the end of each section to allow space for specific comments and some clarifications with respect to timelines. CONCLUSION: This study validated a Canadian French version of the EPHect questionnaire. With such validation studies, differences in language and culture will no longer be a barrier to large national and international studies on endometriosis, leading to high-quality research and breakthroughs for millions of individuals living with this disease.

Trimester-Specific and Total Gestational Weight Gain in Two Consecutive Pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to characterize trimester-specific and total gestational weight gain (GWG) over the course of two consecutive pregnancies, as well as maternal determinants associated with interpregnancy weight change (IPWC) and excessive GWG in the second pregnancy. METHODS: We analyzed the electronic medical records of women who delivered their first two consecutive infants at term between 2001 and 2017. RESULTS: Weight gain trajectories differed between the first and second pregnancy for the 1497 women included in this study, with lower second- and third-trimester weight gain in the second pregnancy. Respectively, 53% and 41% of women had excessive GWG in the first and second pregnancies, with a higher proportion of excessive GWG found in women with a higher body mass index (BMI). Most women (55%) experienced interpregnancy weight gain. Maternal determinants of IPWC were BMI before first pregnancy, first-trimester and total GWG in the first pregnancy, and interpregnancy interval (P < 0.0001). Maternal risk factors associated with excessive GWG in the second pregnancy were excessive total GWG in the first pregnancy (OR 6.23; 95% CI 4.67-8.32), interpregnancy weight gain (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.19-2.09), and interpregnancy interval (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.07-1.29) as well as BMI before the second pregnancy (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07). CONCLUSION: Weight gain trajectories differ between consecutive pregnancies. GWG in the first pregnancy is a key determinant for IPWC and GWG in the second pregnancy.

Positive attitudes toward weight gain in late pregnancy are associated with healthy eating behaviours.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between 3rd trimester attitudes toward weight gain and (1) pre-pregnancy BMI, (2) gestational weight gain (GWG) and (3) eating behaviours assessed in the 3rd trimester. METHODS: Seventy-nine (79) pregnant women completed the French version of the Pregnancy Weight Gain Attitude Scale (PWGAS), the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) in their 3rd trimester. Total GWG was calculated as the difference between the weight recorded before delivery and self-reported pre-pregnancy weight. RESULTS: Most (55.6%) women gained weight above the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) recommendations, but there was no association between PWGAS scores and total or 3rd trimester GWG. Women with obesity had lower PWGAS total scores compared to women with overweight (3.48 ± 0.6 vs. 3.99 ± 0.3, p = 0.005), indicating more negative attitudes in women with obesity vs. overweight. Higher total PWGAS scores were positively correlated with intuitive eating scores (r = 0.28, p < 0.05), and inversely associated with unfavourable eating behaviours such as dietary restraint (r = - 0.42, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Women with positive attitudes toward weight gain reported healthier eating behaviours in late pregnancy, which remains to be confirmed in prospective studies. Interventions addressing body image issues during pregnancy may positively influence pregnant women's health, including eating behaviours. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control analytic study.

Changes in Eating Behaviours Throughout Pregnancy: Associations with Gestational Weight Gain and Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index.

OBJECTIVE: Most pregnant women gain weight above recommended levels, and this weight gain affects mothers' and children's health. Factors influencing gestational weight gain (GWG) are numerous and include eating behaviours. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between eating behaviours and GWG while considering pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Fifty-three (n = 53) women were recruited at 9.4 ± 0.6 gestational weeks. At each trimester, they completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, which evaluates disinhibition, dietary restraint, and susceptibility to hunger. Using a weight gain curve, trimester-specific GWG was calculated with interpolated weights. Total GWG was calculated as the difference between maternal weight before delivery and self-reported pre-pregnancy weight (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: Women were aged 31.5 ± 3.5, and 81.1% had a university degree. The proportion of women who gained weight within recommendations was 21%, 28%, and 26%, at each trimester, respectively, and 38% for total pregnancy. Overall, dietary restraint score was lower in the third trimester in comparison with the first (6.1 ± 4.1 vs. 7.2 ± 4.6; P = 0.049), whereas no difference was observed for disinhibition or susceptibility to hunger. Our data suggest that variations in eating behaviours throughout pregnancy were similar among women who exhibited total GWG below, within, or above recommendations (Ptrim × GWG = NS) (NS: not significant; trim: trimester). Similar observations were reported when women were compared according to their pre-pregnancy BMI (Ptrim × BMI = NS). CONCLUSION: Maintaining high levels of restraint may be challenging considering the increase in hunger, which could explain the decrease observed in dietary restraint scores. Changes in eating behaviours were not associated with total GWG or pre-pregnancy BMI.

Do pregnant women eat healthier than non-pregnant women of childbearing age?

We aimed to compare the dietary quality and intake of pregnant women, women planning to conceive and women of childbearing age. Fifty-five pregnant women were matched for age and pre-pregnancy body mass index with 55 women planning to conceive and 55 women of childbearing age. Three Web-based 24-h recalls were completed, from which the Canadian Healthy Eating Index was calculated. Pregnant women had greater overall diet quality scores (66.8 ± 10.7, 60.3 ± 14.1 and 61.4 ± 12.8, in pregnant vs. planning to conceive and childbearing age women, p = .009), explained by a higher intake in fruits, vegetables and grain products and lower intake of foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt. Energy intake was significantly higher in pregnant versus planning to conceive women only (2283 ± 518 vs. 2062 ± 430 kcal, p = .03). Diet quality was greater among pregnant women, but diet quality scores were low in all groups, indicating that healthier dietary behaviours should be encouraged for all childbearing age women.

Weight Changes and Body Image in Pregnant Women: A Challenge for Health Care Professionals.

Body changes concerns and body image dissatisfaction are common during pregnancy. We aimed to examine whether health care professionals (HCPs): (i) believe that women are concerned about body image during pregnancy; (ii) consider it important to question, support, and intervene when pregnant women express body image concerns; (iii) feel comfortable enough in their abilities to question pregnant women with concerns; and (iv) have sufficient knowledge and skills to provide adequate support. A 36-item e-survey, developed by ÉquiLibre in collaboration with an expert committee, was sent to HCPs via email. HCPs believe that some situations are associated with body image concerns: postpregnancy weight loss (74.0%), perceived changes in their appearance (65.9%), excessive weight gain (65.3%), and feeling less in control of their body (36.8%). Among 321 responders, 60% considered it important to question pregnant women's concerns. One in four (25.4%) considered themselves "totally comfortable" asking about weight and body image concerns. Our study showed that HCPs need to be better supported in developing their abilities to help weight-preoccupied pregnant women. There is an urgent need to clarify HCPs' roles and to delineate the referral process as well as to ensure staff availability, in terms of time and personnel.

Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors, Dietary Intake and Gestational Weight Gain: A Narrative Review.

Inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG), which has reached almost two-thirds of Canadian pregnant women, is associated with several adverse effects both in the mother and her child. The aim of this review was to establish how psychosocial factors, diet and GWG are interrelated during pregnancy. More specifically, it aimed to evaluate how psychosocial factors can impact on diet and, thus, influence GWG. Studies published through May 2017 that examined factors related to GWG were included. Of 3268 non-duplicate titles and abstract, 77 articles underwent full-text review. Regarding dietary intakes, the majority of the included studies demonstrated that a higher caloric intake was associated with an elevated GWG. Also, a negative body image and attitude toward weight gain as well as a poor knowledge of GWG recommendations and inadequate prenatal care is associated with an increased GWG. Only few studies examined altogether the factors included and conclusions about how psychosocial factors can impact on diet and, thus, influence GWG cannot be drawn at this point. In the few studies that evaluated the interrelationships between psychosocial factors, diet and GWG, energy intake was not identified as a mediator of the association between psychosocial factors and GWG. This review highlights the scarcity of findings regarding psychosocial and dietary factors in relation to GWG and the need for high quality prospective cohort studies that will include all these factors to provide a better understanding of how they are interrelated to influence short- and long-term health.

GLP-1 response during pregnancy: variations between trimesters and associations with appetite sensations and usual energy intake.

Further research is required to understand hormonal regulation of food intake during pregnancy and its association with energy intake. The objectives are to (i) compare postprandial responses of plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) between trimesters, (ii) compare postprandial appetite sensations between trimesters, and (iii) examine trimester-specific associations between GLP-1 levels, appetite sensations, and usual energy intake. At each trimester, participants (n = 26) consumed a standard test meal following a 12 h fast. Plasma GLP-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method at fasting and at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min postprandial. A visual analogue scale assessing appetite sensations was completed at fasting and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min postprandial. Mean energy intake was assessed using three web-based 24 h dietary recalls at each trimester. Lower postprandial GLP-1 responses were observed in the 2nd (p = 0.004) and 3rd trimesters (p < 0.001) compared to the 1st trimester. Greater postprandial sensations of desire to eat, hunger, and prospective food consumption were noted in the 3rd trimester compared to the 1st trimester (p < 0.04, for all). Fasting GLP-1 was negatively associated with fasting appetite sensations (except fullness) at the 2nd trimester (p < 0.02, for all). Postprandially, significant associations were observed for incremental areas under the curve from 0 to 30 min between GLP-1 and fullness at the 2nd (p = 0.01) and 3rd trimesters (p = 0.03). No associations between fasting or postprandial GLP-1 and usual energy intake were observed. Overall, GLP-1 and appetite sensation responses significantly differ between trimesters, but few associations were observed between GLP-1, appetite sensations, and usual energy intake.

Attitudes and Behaviors towards Food and Weight in Late Pregnancy: A Comparative Approach between Individuals with and without Previous Bariatric Surgery.

The aims of this study were to compare, between pregnant individuals with and without bariatric surgery: (1) eating behaviors, (2) intuitive eating components and, (3) attitudes towards weight gain. This retrospective study included data collected in healthy pregnant individuals with and without previous bariatric surgery who were recruited at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval. Pregnant individuals who underwent bariatric surgery (biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch [n = 14] or sleeve gastrectomy [n = 5]) were individually matched, for age (±0.4 years) and body mass index (BMI) (±0.3 kg/m2), with pregnant individuals who have not received bariatric surgery. In the second trimester, participants completed the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and the Intuitive Eating Scale 2 (IES-2). In the third trimester, participants completed the French version of the Pregnancy Weight Gain Attitude Scale assessing attitudes towards weight gain. Pregnant individuals who have had bariatric surgery had a higher score for flexible restraint and a lower score for situational susceptibility to disinhibition compared to individuals who have not had undergone bariatric surgery (2.89 ± 1.15 vs. 1.95 ± 1.31; p = 0.04 and 1.11 ± 1.29 vs. 2.79 ± 1.44, respectively; p < 0.001). Regarding intuitive eating, pregnant individuals who experienced bariatric surgery had a higher score for reliance on internal hunger and satiety cues and a lower one for unconditional permission to eat compared with those who had not experienced bariatric surgery (3.99 ± 0.81 vs. 3.30 ± 1.03; p = 0.02 and 3.28 ± 0.54 vs. 3.61 ± 0.68, respectively; p = 0.03). No difference in attitudes towards weight gain was observed between groups. Overall, pregnant individuals who had undergone bariatric surgery had different eating behaviors and intuitive eating components compared to pregnant individuals without bariatric surgery. These results need to be confirmed in further studies with larger sample sizes.

Determinants of weight gain and body changes during pregnancy: A qualitative study of French-Canadian pregnant people.

OBJECTIVE: More than half of pregnant Canadian people exceed current gestational weight gain recommendations, which has been associated with adverse outcomes for both parent and child. Although the physiological causes of excessive gestational weight gain have been well investigated, few studies have evaluated the context of gestational weight gain and body changes through the perspective of pregnant people. Therefore, we aim to explore factors influencing body changes and weight gain during pregnancy as experienced by pregnant individuals. METHODS: A total of three focus groups and six individual interviews were conducted with pregnant people (n=21) recruited in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. A semi-structured interview guide was developed according to a pre-existing conceptual model by Hill et al., 2013. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed using NVivo software. FINDINGS: Results were categorized into four main themes, based on the conceptual model: (1) parental psychological, social and cognitive factors, (2) outcomes, (3) parental behaviors and (4) health behavior change constructs. Participants identified structural, social, professional, and especially partner support (1), health-related strategies (2), body image (1) and knowledge of gestational weight gain recommendations (3) as influent components of their body changes experience. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the themes addressed affect both pregnant individuals and their relatives. Enhanced knowledge of gestational weight gain recommendations in this population, support from relatives and quality of follow-up offered by health professionals must therefore be considered as possible avenues of intervention.

Promoting healthy eating in early pregnancy in individuals at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: does it improve glucose homeostasis? A study protocol for a randomized control trial.

Background: Healthy eating during pregnancy has favorable effects on glycemic control and is associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). According to Diabetes Canada, there is a need for an effective and acceptable intervention that could improve glucose homeostasis and support pregnant individuals at risk for GDM. Aims: This unicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effects of a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy, on glucose homeostasis in 150 pregnant individuals at risk for GDM, compared to usual care. Methods: Population: 150 pregnant individuals ≥18 years old, at ≤14 weeks of pregnancy, and presenting ≥1 risk factor for GDM according to Diabetes Canada guidelines. Intervention: The nutritional intervention initiated in the first trimester is based on the health behavior change theory during pregnancy and on Canada's Food Guide recommendations. It includes (1) four individual counseling sessions with a registered dietitian using motivational interviewing (12, 18, 24, and 30 weeks), with post-interview phone call follow-ups, aiming to develop and achieve S.M.A.R.T. nutritional objectives (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound); (2) 10 informative video clips on healthy eating during pregnancy developed by our team and based on national guidelines, and (3) a virtual support community via a Facebook group. Control: Usual prenatal care. Protocol: This RCT includes three on-site visits (10-14, 24-26, and 34-36 weeks) during which a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test is done and blood samples are taken. At each trimester and 3 months postpartum, participants complete web-based questionnaires, including three validated 24-h dietary recalls to assess their diet quality using the Healthy Eating Food Index 2019. Primary outcome: Difference in the change in fasting blood glucose (from the first to the third trimester) between groups. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval. Discussion: This RCT will determine whether a nutritional intervention initiated early in pregnancy can improve glucose homeostasis in individuals at risk for GDM and inform Canadian stakeholders on improving care trajectories and policies for pregnant individuals at risk for GDM. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05299502, NCT05299502.

Health-Related Preconception Factors: Adherence to Guidelines and Associations with Weight Status.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the percentage of women planning a pregnancy who meet preconception dietary and physical activity (PA) guidelines and which health-related preconception factors are associated with body mass index (BMI) could help improve preconception care. OBJECTIVES: In a study conducted in women who were planning to conceive, the aims were to describe and compare eating and PA habits to current guidelines, as well as to identify the factors associated with BMI. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: From 2017 to 2020, women planning to conceive within the next year (n = 217) were recruited in the province of Québec (Canada) to participate in the Apports Nutritionnels durant la GrossessE - Cohorte Contrôle study. Among them, 184 (84.8%) were included in the analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women completed three (90.2%) or two (9.8%) Web-based 24-hour dietary recalls and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Weight and height as well as the presence/absence of weight/body image concerns were self-reported. Eating and PA habits were compared with dietary reference intakes and Canadian guidelines, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample, eating and PA habits, as well as adherence to guidelines. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with BMI. RESULTS: On average, women were aged 30.8 ± 4.1 years and identified as White (94.0%). Most of them had weight/body image concerns (58.7%), 54.6% of whom had a normal body weight. Overall, 42.3% engaged in 150 minutes/week or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA and 84.8% consumed <135 g alcoholic beverages per week. Mean dietary intake was below Dietary Reference Intakes for carbohydrates, vitamins D and E, and above Dietary Reference Intakes for total fat and folic acid. Factors associated with a higher BMI were weight/body image concerns (ß = 1.83; R2 = 13.0%), higher dietary protein intake (ß = .05; R2 = 4.0%), lower income (ß = .85; R2 = 2.9%), no folic acid supplementation (ß = .83; R2 = 2.5%), spending less time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (ß = -.006; R2 = 2.4%), eating <2 snacks (ß = .75; R2 = 2.2%), and <3 meals (ß = 1.38; R2 = 1.5%) daily. CONCLUSION: Women planning to conceive do not have optimal eating and PA behaviors. Modifiable factors associated with BMI in preconception were identified.

Longitudinal changes in circulating concentrations of inflammatory markers throughout pregnancy: are there associations with diet and weight status?

The natural inflammation occurring during pregnancy can, under certain conditions, be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to (1) quantify changes in circulating concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) across trimesters of pregnancy, according to pre-pregnancy body mass index (ppBMI); and (2) examine the trimester-specific associations between the inflammatory markers' concentrations, a Mediterranean diet score (MDS) and the dietary inflammatory index (DII). We measured leptin, adiponectin and IL-6 by ELISA and CRP by high-sensitivity immunonephelometry, in blood samples from 79 pregnant women (age: 32.1 ± 3.7 years; ppBMI: 25.7 ± 5.8 kg/m2). Three Web-based 24-h recalls were completed at each trimester and used to compute the MDS and the DII. CRP concentrations remained stable across trimesters, whereas concentrations of leptin and IL-6 increased, and adiponectin concentrations decreased (p < 0.001). Changes in leptin and adiponectin concentrations also differed according to ppBMI categories (p < 0.05). As for the dietary scores, the only significant association was observed in the second trimester between leptin concentrations and the MDS (r = -0.26, p < 0.05). In conclusion, ppBMI and the progression of pregnancy itself probably supplant the potential associations between diet and the inflammation occurring during that period. Novelty: Circulating leptin and IL-6 concentrations increased across trimesters whereas CRP was stable, and adiponectin decreased. Variations in circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations differed by ppBMI categories. Very few associations were observed between dietary scores and inflammatory markers.

Trimester-specific gestational weight gain in women with and without previous bariatric surgeries.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed 1) to compare trimester-specific and total gestational weight gain (GWG) between mothers who had undergone biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD) and two control groups of unoperated women and 2) to examine the associations between GWG, intrauterine fetal growth and neonatal birthweight. METHODS: This retrospective study included data collected in medical records of newborns and mothers from 3 groups: the first control group (PP) included mothers (n = 158) with a pre-pregnancy BMI similar to that of the surgical group (n = 63) and the second one (PS) included mothers (n = 85) with a pre-pregnancy BMI corresponding to that of the surgical group prior to BPD or a BMI > 40 kg/m2. Trimester-specific GWG was obtained using linear interpolation and compared to the recommendations. RESULTS: Women exposed to BPD have an increased prevalence of insufficient weight gain in the second and third trimesters as well as for the whole pregnancy in comparison with women in the PP group. The weekly GWG rate in the third trimester was significantly lower in women exposed to BPD, compared to both control groups. Although the newborns of women with previous BPD were significantly smaller during pregnancy and at birth, no association was found with GWG. CONCLUSION: Women exposed to BPD are at substantial risk of insufficient GWG, however, mechanisms and long-term impacts require further investigation.

Trimester-Specific Serum Fructosamine in Association with Abdominal Adiposity, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Healthy Pregnant Individuals.

This study aimed to (1) characterize the variations in serum fructosamine across trimesters and according to pre-pregnancy BMI (ppBMI), and (2) examine associations between fructosamine and adiposity/metabolic markers (ppBMI, first-trimester adiposity, leptin, glucose homeostasis, and inflammation measurements) during pregnancy. Serum fructosamine, albumin, fasting glucose and insulin, leptin, adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured at each trimester. In the first trimester, subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue thicknesses were estimated by ultrasound. In the 101 healthy pregnant individuals included (age: 32.2 ± 3.5 y.o.; ppBMI: 25.5 ± 5.5 kg/m2), fructosamine concentrations decreased during pregnancy whereas albumin-corrected fructosamine concentrations increased (p < 0.0001 for both). Notably, fructosamine concentrations were inversely associated with ppBMI, first-trimester SAT, VAT, and leptin (r = −0.55, r = −0.61, r = −0.48, r = −0.47, respectively; p < 0.0001 for all), first-trimester fasting insulin and HOMA-IR (r = −0.46, r = −0.46; p < 0.0001 for both), and first-trimester IL-6 (r = −0.38, p < 0.01). However, once corrected for albumin, most of the correlations lost strength. Once adjusted for ppBMI, fructosamine concentrations were positively associated with third-trimester fasting glucose and CRP (r = 0.24, r = 0.27; p < 0.05 for both). In conclusion, serum fructosamine is inversely associated with adiposity before and during pregnancy, with markers of glucose homeostasis and inflammation, but the latter associations are partially influenced by albumin concentrations and ppBMI.

Tracking of Dietary Intake and Diet Quality from Late Pregnancy to the Postpartum Period.

The present study aimed to characterize dietary intake and diet quality from late pregnancy to six months postpartum. Participants (n = 28) completed 2-3 Web-based 24 h recalls at three distinct periods: (1) during the third trimester of pregnancy; (2) three months and (3) six months after delivery. Energy, macro-and micronutrient intakes (from foods and supplements), as well as the Canadian healthy eating index (C-HEI) were derived from the dietary recalls. No significant variation in energy and macronutrient intakes was observed between time points. The proportion of women taking at least one supplement decreased over time (p = 0.003). The total intake of several micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, group B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and copper) decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05 for all micronutrients). The total C-HEI score and its components did not change, except for the total vegetables and fruit subscore, which decreased over time (8.2 ± 2.0 in the 3rd trimester, 7.1 ± 2.2 at three months postpartum, 6.9 ± 2.4 at 6 months postpartum, p = 0.04). In conclusion, we observed a general stability in diet quality, energy, and macronutrient intakes from the third trimester of pregnancy to six months postpartum. However, several micronutrient intakes decreased over time, mostly due to changes in supplement use.