Search Results (239)

Telomeres are protective DNA sequences located at chromosome ends, essential to maintaining genomic stability. This narrative review examines how maternal lifestyle factors during pregnancy influence fetal telomere length (TL). Positive associations have been identified between offspring’s TL and maternal consumption of nutrients such as vitamins C and D, folate, and magnesium. Additionally, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity during pregnancy are correlated with increased placental TL, supporting fetal genomic integrity. Conversely, maternal dietary patterns high in carbohydrates, fats, or alcohol, as well as exposure to triclosan and sleep-disordered breathing, negatively correlate with offspring’s TL. Maternal infections may also shorten TL through heightened inflammation and oxidative stress. However, evidence regarding the impact of other lifestyle factors—including maternal stress, smoking, caffeine intake, polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, obesity, and sleep quality—remains inconsistent. Given that shorter telomere length has been associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, these findings highlight the vital importance of maternal health during pregnancy in order to prevent potential adverse effects on the fetus. Further studies are required to elucidate the precise timing, intensity, and interplay of these influences, enabling targeted prenatal interventions to enhance offspring health outcomes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth and stillbirth are primary adverse pregnancy outcomes. Research during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed reductions in preterm birth in some countries, while stillbirth rates increased or remained unchanged. These findings suggest the presence of preventable risk factors associated with changes in physical activity and lower exposure to community-acquired infections due to lockdown measures, altered social interaction patterns or reduced access to antenatal care. Assessing seasonal variation may offer insights into whether lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 lockdown period influenced preterm birth rates. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic medical records of Bihor and Sibiu counties. Preterm deliveries (<37 weeks) and stillbirths during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021) were compared with the corresponding pre-pandemic (2018 and 2019) and post-pandemic (2022 and 2023) period. Preterm birth rates during summer and winter in the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic years were analyzed. A comparison with rates during strict lockdown was made. Results: Out of 52,021 newborn infants, 4473 were born preterm. Preterm birth rates remained stable across all three periods (p = 0.13), and no significant seasonal pattern was identified (p = 0.65). In contrast, stillbirth rates increased notably during the strict lockdown period, with the median incidence almost doubling compared to other periods (0.87%, p = 0.05), while remaining unchanged during the rest of the pandemic (p = 0.52). Conclusions: Our study found that preterm birth rates remained unaffected by the pandemic and lockdown periods, while stillbirths increased significantly during the strict lockdown. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining access to timely antenatal care during public health emergencies to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. Full article

Background: Antenatal depression and anxiety contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, structured screening and targeted interventions are largely absent from standard prenatal care in many Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria. This study examines the prevalence and psychosocial predictors of antenatal psychosocial risk using the validated Antenatal Risk Questionnaire–Revised (ANRQ-R) in a nationally underrepresented population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 216 third-trimester pregnant women in Bulgaria. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours, and reproductive history were collected. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of elevated psychosocial risk. Results: A total of 65.7% of participants met the criteria for elevated psychosocial risk. Significant risk factors included passive smoking exposure during pregnancy (OR = 5.03, p < 0.001), physical activity prior to pregnancy (OR = 1.81, p = 0.004), and a family history of hereditary disease (OR = 42.67, p < 0.001). Protective factors were better self-rated current health (OR = 0.37, p = 0.004), the presence of chronic illness (OR = 0.42, p = 0.049), previous childbirth experience (OR = 0.11, p = 0.032), and residence in Northwestern Bulgaria (OR = 0.31, p = 0.028). Despite the high prevalence of psychosocial vulnerability, only 9.5% of affected women sought professional help. Conclusions: While our findings point to important unmet needs in antenatal mental health, further research is required before national screening policies can be implemented. Pilot programs, cultural validation of tools, and system-level readiness assessments should precede broad adoption. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy presents health benefits for mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 min of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for a healthy pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to describe physical and sedentary activity patterns, estimate the proportion of women meeting PA recommendations, and identify associated sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics in a sample of pregnant women from southern Spain. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, a random sample of 385 pregnant women attending their 20th-week scheduled ultrasound at their referral hospital was selected. Inclusion criteria were being between 18 and 22 gestational weeks pregnant and communicating in Spanish. A face-to-face structured interview was used to collect demographic, obstetric, and PA data, as well as sedentary patterns. Indexes of weekly PA in various domains were computed. Bivariate analyses were conducted to assess the variability of physical and sedentary activities according to sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 84.4% of participants engaged in some type of PA and 73.7% met WHO PA requirements. Higher leisure PA was associated with higher education (p < 0.05) and first-time pregnancy (p < 0.01). Higher work PA was linked to lower education (p < 0.01), being born outside Spain (p < 0.05), and later pregnancy awareness (p < 0.01). Higher sedentary daily time was associated with higher education (p < 0.01), speaking Spanish as a child (p < 0.05), and first-time pregnancy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Most pregnant women in this study met PA recommendations. Correlates of leisure PA differ from those regarding work PA. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a critical determinant of pregnancy outcomes; however, studies on factors contributing to suboptimal GWG in developing countries, including Malaysia, remain limited. Methods: This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, with the quantitative phase conducted between January and March 2020, followed by the qualitative phase from July 2020 to March 2021 in Selangor. The qualitative phase aimed to explain the factors influencing suboptimal (inadequate and excessive) GWG identified in the quantitative phase. Inclusion criteria included Malaysian women aged 18 and above who had suboptimal GWG (either inadequate or excessive) from the quantitative phase. Exclusion criteria included women who refused participation. Of the 475 participants from the quantitative phase, 20 with suboptimal GWG were purposively selected for in-depth telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview protocol. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) the impact of pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity, shaped by unhealthy lifestyles, social influences, and limited access to nutritious food and physical activity; (2) the management of diabetes during pregnancy, contributing to inadequate GWG due to psychological responses, restrictive behaviours, and barriers to dietary guidance; and (3) financial constraints in middle- and low-income households, leading to income vulnerability, financial crises, and food insecurity. Conclusions: This finding highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to optimize GWG, emphasizing pre-pregnancy health optimization, enhanced diabetes management, and strategies to mitigate financial constraints and food insecurity among pregnant women. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the neurotropic action of cortexin in models of mental and physical developmental delays in rat offspring. Methods: The neurotropic properties of bovine brain cortex polypeptides were studied using two models of mental and physical developmental delays in rats: toxic CNS damage (oral administration of ethanol during the last week of pregnancy) and neonatal trauma (ischemia-hypoxia). The drug was administered intramuscularly or rectally as suppositories for 20 days. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the mNSS scale, open field, rotarod, and adhesive removal tests. A histological examination of the brain was subsequently performed. In a separate series of experiments in mice, the concentration of the test drug cortexin and the reference drug cerebrolysin was determined in blood and brain tissue samples using radioactive iodine (Na125I) labeling of these preparations. Results: Modeling developmental delay in rat offspring (due to the toxic effect of ethanol in late pregnancy or neonatal trauma) led to pronounced neurological deficits, manifested by decreased motor activity, and sensorimotor, and coordination disorders. Administration of cortexin in all forms reduced the severity of neurological deficits as measured by mNSS scores, improved motor activity in the Open Field test, enhanced performance in the Adhesive Removal and Rotarod tests, and decreased structural changes in brain tissues. Histological examination revealed reduced neuronal damage in multiple cortical regions, with a significant increase in normal, unchanged neurons compared to placebo groups. Comparison of the blood concentrations of labeled Na125I cortexin depending on the type of administration showed similar distribution profiles in brain tissues, primarily dependent on its blood concentration, which was influenced by the route of administration. Conclusions: The results indicate that brain polypeptides (cortexin), administered either intramuscularly or rectally, can reach the systemic circulation and cross the blood-brain barrier, as demonstrated by our distribution studies using radiolabeled preparations. These polypeptides exert comparable neurotropic effects in models of mental and physical developmental delays in offspring caused by neonatal trauma or the toxic effect of ethanol in late pregnancy in rats. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication that affects 20% of pregnancies worldwide. It is associated with adverse short- and long-term cardiometabolic outcomes for both mother and infant. Effective management of GDM involves lifestyle modifications, including medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and physical activity (PA), with the addition of insulin or metformin if glycaemic control remains inadequate. However, substantial gaps persist in the determination of optimal medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for women with GDM. Challenges in MNT include individual variation in glucose tolerance and changing maternal physiology and dietary requirements during pregnancy. Achieving optimal glycaemic control depends on careful macronutrient balance, particularly the distribution and quality of carbohydrate intake and sufficient protein and fat intake. Additionally, micronutrient deficiencies, such as inadequate vitamin D, calcium, and essential minerals, may exacerbate oxidative stress, inflammation, and glycaemic dysregulation, further impacting foetal growth and development. Cultural beliefs and dietary practices among pregnant women can also hinder adherence to recommended nutritional guidelines. Conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) affect ~1% to 2% of pregnant women can result in unintended energy and nutrient deficits. This special issue explores the current evidence and major barriers to optimising dietary therapy for women with GDM. It also identifies future research priorities to advance clinical practice, improve maternal and foetal outcomes, and address gaps in personalised nutrition interventions. Full article

Background: Physical activity during pregnancy plays an important role in influencing the course of pregnancy, the health of the mother, and neonatal outcomes. Regular exercise can positively affect maternal well-being, reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications, and support optimal fetal development. Additionally, physical activity may contribute to a reduced need for C-sections and better postpartum recovery. Despite these benefits, global trends indicate a decline in physical activity levels, exacerbated by lifestyle changes such as remote work. This highlights the importance of promoting healthy habits among women of reproductive age to improve perinatal outcomes and the long-term health of both mothers and their children. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on the health of mothers and babies after birth. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in northern Poland from October 2024 to December 2024. Participants were 205 pregnant women with no medical contraindications to physical activity. The group was selected on the basis of a questionnaire with original questions and the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (GAQ-P). The effects of physical activity during pregnancy on maternal and infant health after delivery were assessed using questionnaire data and medical records. Frequency analysis supported by chi-squared coefficient; Cramer’s V coefficient and Spearman’s rank correlation were used to answer the research questions. Results: The study showed that the frequency of physical activity had an effect on the incidence of perineal trauma, the baby’s birth weight, and the baby’s degree of saturation after birth. The intensity of physical activity during pregnancy may influence the duration of the first stage of labor, while the duration of physical activity may influence the duration of the second stage of labor and reduce the number of operative deliveries. Conclusions: Although physical activity has a huge impact on the course of pregnancy and the health of both mother and child after birth, more research is needed to draw clear conclusions. In our study, a beneficial effect of physical activity on the reduction in cesarean sections can be observed. However, the effects on perineal injuries, length of labor, and birth weight require further research, as our findings indicate that higher exercise frequency was associated with both positive outcomes, such as fewer cesarean sections, and potential risks, including an increase in macrosomia and perineal tears. A broader analysis of co-factors influencing these results is needed to fully understand these relationships. Full article

Background/Objectives: Physical activity during pregnancy is recognised for its benefits to maternal and foetal health. However, adherence to prenatal exercise programmes is often low due to psychological, physical, and social barriers. This study explored the experiences of women who successfully completed a tailored prenatal exercise programme, “Conscious 9 Months”, aiming to identify factors enabling adherence and providing recommendations for future programme development. Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ten participants who completed the programme between 2017 and 2019. Thematic Analysis was conducted to explore their experiences. Results: Participants emphasised the transformative nature of the programme, which extended far beyond physical exercise. Three interconnected domains emerged: psychosocial, physical, and psychoeducational. The present article focuses on the psychosocial domain, highlighting the significance of exercising in a group of pregnant women as a key source of support. Additionally, the atmosphere played a crucial role in facilitating the participants’ regular attendance. Finally, the findings indicate that the programme fostered lasting social connections that extended beyond its formal completion. Conclusions: A holistic approach that integrates physical activity with social and emotional support can foster a sense of community and enhance long-term adherence. The design of future programmes should prioritise small group sizes to facilitate peer support and create a safe and welcoming atmosphere to encourage emotional expression. Additionally, sustained engagement beyond pregnancy through follow-up initiatives, family involvement, and postnatal movement programmes can further reinforce long-term participation and promote lasting health benefits for both mothers and their children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research suggests that diet influences oxidative stress status in pregnant women and is related to their stress and depressive symptoms. This study aimed to investigate how maternal diet during late pregnancy affects oxidative stress status, maternal stress, depression, and fetal physical development. Methods: This study included 58 mother–child pairs. Dietary intake, depressive symptoms, and clinical information were obtained through questionnaires and clinical records. Maternal and cord blood concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), paraoxonase-1, platelet activating factor-acetylhydrolase, and cortisol were measured using spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Maternal serum MDA levels were inversely associated with nut consumption (β = −0.40, p = 0.01) and positively associated with vitamin B2 (β = 2.43, p = 0.04) and manganese intake (β = 0.44, p = 0.02). Fruit consumption was positively associated with Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score (β = 0.35, p = 0.03). Intakes of beans (β = −3.37, p = 0.04), vitamin B1 (β = −738.92, p = 0.04), vitamin B6 (β = −562.21, p = 0.04), vitamin C (β = −4.75, p = 0.009), iron (β = −106.63, p = 0.03), and copper (β = −863.31, p = 0.01) were inversely associated with maternal serum cortisol level, whereas dairy intake (β = 1.45, p = 0.003) showed a positive association. Cord plasma cortisol levels were inversely associated with the consumption of other vegetables (β = −2.89, p = 0.02). Conclusions: The findings encourage further research towards the refinement of dietary guidelines for pregnant women and recommendations for expecting mothers. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the Greek population’s maternal dietary intake, physical activity status, and body composition during pregnancy. Research method: Forty-nine women during pregnancy, with a mean age of 31.08 ± 4.90 years old, were asked to fill in the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) to assess their physical activity levels, the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess the maternal dietary intake, and a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to evaluate different body composition indices. Results: Variance analysis showed that the pregnancy trimester’s effect on various indices of BIA was statistically significant. Moreover, the results showed that pregnant women consume a median of 2135 kcal and 2012.10 mL of water per day, regardless of their trimester. The Pearson correlation analysis unveiled a significant positive correlation between energy (r = 0.795, p < 0.001), water (r = 0.759, p < 0.001), fat (r = 0.535, p = 0.029), and dietary fibers (r = 0.310, p < 0.001) with pregnancy trimester. According to the PPAQ in women, categorized based on their pregnancy trimester, the results showed that women in the third trimester were statistically more sedentary than those in the second and first trimesters, respectively. Lastly, multiple regression analysis showed that pregnancy trimester (p = 0.005), employment status (p = 0.040), economic status (p = 0.037), and higher BMI (p = 0.013), BFMI (p = 0.017), and FFMI (p = 0.024) values had a significant contribution to the model. Conclusions: Pregnancy trimester has a significant impact on different indices of BIA and nutrients based on the FFQ, while physical activity levels decrease dramatically during pregnancy. Full article

Background and aim: The use of mHealth, especially short-message text (SMS), has proven to be an effective intervention in promoting behavioral health outcomes in populations across different contexts and settings. While MomConnect, an mHealth technological device designed to enhance maternal and child health services in South Africa, offers various health-related contents aimed at improving maternal outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women, it currently lacks information on prenatal physical activity. However, physical activity and exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for both the mother and the baby. This article outlines the protocol for designing and developing a prenatal physical activity and exercise text messaging content for the MomConnect device. To achieve this, the protocol aims to elucidate the preferences of prenatal physical activity and exercise text messages and ascertain the preferred amount of SMS messaging to inform the design of an intervention for the incorporation of prenatal physical activity and exercise text messages into the MomConnect device in South Africa. Methods: We will apply a user-centred design approach conducted in three phases. First, a scoping literature review and interviews with pregnant women will be conducted to inform the formative stage for developing a desirable prototype SMS. Secondly, healthcare providers and pregnant women will be interviewed to collate data on the preferred SMS. Lastly, a cross-sectional survey will be conducted to determine the preferred quantity of SMS messaging to be incorporated in the MomConnect device. Expected outcomes: A preferred or desirable prenatal physical activity and exercise SMS text message will inform the design of SMS text messages to be incorporated into the content of the MomConnect device to promote prenatal physical activity and exercise participation among women in the Eastern Cape Province. This study will develop a tailored mHealth intervention to improve prenatal physical activity participation and health behaviors among pregnant women in South Africa. Full article

Background/Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to investigate the self-reported behavior and practice of healthcare professionals (midwives and obstetricians) regarding physical activity during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The secondary goal of the study was to highlight sociodemographic and professional characteristics affecting the aforementioned behavior. Methods: The study was of cross-sectional design and was conducted between January 2022 and March 2023 with the participation of 235 midwives and obstetricians working in public and private facilities in the region of Attica, Greece. The participants completed a demographic characteristics form as well as a questionnaire structured to serve the aim of the study. Eight independent models of multivariate analyses of variance were performed. Results: Among the participants, over 97% recommended exercising during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Cardio exercises were the most commonly suggested type (93.1% in the second trimester and 88.5% in the third trimester), followed by relaxation exercises (87.7% and 89.8%, respectively). The majority recommended exercising 2–3 times per week, with session durations ranging from 15 to 30 min in the second trimester and 30 to 45 min in the third trimester. The intention for recommending physical activity during the second trimester was associated with the profession (p < 0.001), the personal attitude toward the necessity of exercising (p = 0.006), the participants’ belief regarding the importance of being informed about relevant recommendations (p = 0.003), and the degree of knowledge regarding the relevant international guidelines (p = 0.031). With respect to the third trimester, the associated factors included gender (p = 0.011), the participant’s profession (p = 0.006), the degree of knowledge regarding the relevant international guidelines (p = 0.008), their positive attitude toward physical activity during pregnancy (p = 0.011), and the degree of knowledge regarding the relevant international guidelines (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The aforementioned factors should be taken into consideration when designing interventions for the promotion of physical activity during pregnancy. The structure of relevant instruments would facilitate the evaluation of health professionals’ behavior toward physical activity. Full article

Background/Objective: This study is aimed to assess the link between oxidative stress markers and incident hyperglycemia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during an educational intervention. Methods: The study used a prospective cohort. Pregnant women with GDM who were 18–40 years old (n = 201) participated in an 18-month postpartum educational intervention emphasizing healthy practices (nutrition, breastfeeding, physical activity, and psychosocial support). GDM women were tested with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after the third month postpartum, and were classified as follows: (1) incident hyperglycemia (IHypergly) (n = 86) if they had a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of 100–125 mg/dL, and impaired glucose tolerance of 2 h (140–199 mg/dL), or type 2 diabetes (T2D) with an FPG ≥ 126 or ≥200 mg/dL (2 h); and (2) without incident hyperglycemia (n = 115) if they had an FPG < 100 mg/dL and <140 mg/dL 2 h post-OGTT. Participants were evaluated at the end of pregnancy and post-intervention. Clinical, biochemical, anthropometric, dietary, and oxidative stress markers data (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, antioxidant capacity, carbonylated proteins, and adiponectin) were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified an association between oxidative stress markers and incident hyperglycemia in women with GDM. Results: A total of 6% progressed to T2D, and 36.8% to prediabetes. At baseline, Ihypergly women exhibited elevated oxidative stress markers and adiponectin, and lower antioxidant capacity. Post-intervention, they showed higher antioxidant capacity, GSH, and adiponectin, and lower MDA. Basal malondialdehyde, pregestational BMI, HbA1c, and sugary food consumption positively correlated with Ihypergly. A high intake of antioxidants inversely correlated with incident hyperglycemia. Conclusions: Higher concentrations of plasma markers of oxidative stress are associated with postpartum incident hyperglycemia in women with gestational diabetes. Full article

Low adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy and lactation is strongly associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity. This narrative review aims to elucidate and summarize the pivotal role played by physical activity (PA) during pregnancy and breastfeeding, highlighting the potential mechanisms linking PA in these periods to the prevention of childhood obesity. Maternal exercise during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of childhood obesity by enhancing fetal metabolism, supporting healthy maternal weight management, and promoting improved breastfeeding practices. Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent critical windows for implementing preventive strategies that benefit both the mother and child. Encouraging an active lifestyle during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a vital public health strategy with extensive benefits. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in creating supportive environments and providing tailored guidance to empower mothers to engage in regular PA. This approach not only enhances individual health outcomes but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering healthier communities. Full article