Maternal preconceptional weight and gestational length

Pura Rayco-Solon; Anthony J Fulford; Andrew M Prentice

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2004.10.636

Maternal preconceptional weight and gestational length

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Apr;192(4):1133-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.10.636.

Authors

Pura Rayco-Solon¹, Anthony J Fulford, Andrew M Prentice

Affiliation

¹ MRC Keneba, Medical Research Council Laboratories, The Gambia, Banjul, West Africa.

PMID: 15846192
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2004.10.636

Abstract

Recent animal studies suggest that preconceptional undernutrition shortens gestation. We retested this idea among rural Gambian women who experience annual fluctuations in energy balance caused by the rains (with lowest weights in September to November) using records from 1918 infants. Pregnancies conceived in September to November were significantly shorter than those from better-fed months (38.6 vs 39.0 weeks; log-rank chi 2 = 17.4, P < .0001).

Publication types

Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Body Composition
Body Weight*
Cohort Studies
Developing Countries
Female
Gambia
Gestational Age*
Humans
Infant, Low Birth Weight*
Infant, Newborn
Nutritional Status*
Preconception Care
Pregnancy
Retrospective Studies
Risk Assessment
Time Factors