Pregnancy Weight in Mothers may affect Child’s Cognition at later life

Poorer offspring brain development into adolescence is found to be associated with a higher maternal weight during pregnancy.

Poorer offspring brain development into adolescence is found to be associated with a higher maternal weight during pregnancy as per an observational study from the breastfeeding promotion intervention in the Republic of Belarus, published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

The study team explored the associations of maternal prenatal weight through body mass index (BMI) with the cognitive abilities of the baby. The cohort study examined follow-up data at 31 hospitals and affiliated polyclinics from a breastfeeding promotion intervention in the Republic of Belarus.

Healthy Weight Gain during Pregnancy
Recommended weight gain during pregnancy is determined as per pre-pregnancy weight and BMI. Healthy weight gain is very important for pregnancy health and is achieved with the right diet and exercise.

‘Poorer offspring brain development into adolescence is found to be associated with a higher maternal weight during pregnancy. ’

Almost 11 276 Belarusian children were evaluated from the birth year 1996-1997 and adolescence between 2017-2019. The maternal BMI data were obtained from the prenatal medical records.

Pregnancy Weight and Cognition

It was found that higher maternal body weight (BMI) after 35 weeks of gestation was associated with a slightly lower child cognition (Intelligence Quotient at 6.5 years). Multiple domains of cognition also revealed lower cognitive scores at 16 years.

Early Signs of Pregnancy | Pregnancy - Early Signs
Pregnant or not pregnant? Catch on to the early pregnancy signs and symptoms and replace suspense with relief.

The observed data were not influenced by child weight or adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy complications, and paternal weight.

The study thereby supports the relation between higher maternal BMI and obesity rates. Higher maternal prenatal BMI shows a significant link with poorer brain development in offspring. However further mechanisms need to be explored.

Drugs in Pregnancy & Lactation - What is Safe and What is Harmful
During pregnancy & lactation a nutritious diet, suitable exercise, adequate rest and a tranquil mind help both the mother and fetus and drugs hould be avoided.

Source-Medindia

Diet For Anemia In Pregnancy And What Foods To Avoid
A modified diet rich in Folate, Vitamin B12 and Iron is essential for the rapid rise in hemoglobin level.