Changes in maternal anthropometric measurements in the first postpartum month and associated factors

Abstract

Objective: Maternal anthropometry offers a rapid, inexpensive, and noninvasive method for assessing nutritional status during pregnancy. We aimed to assess the changes in maternal anthropometric measurements in the first month after delivery and to investigate the factors associated with longitudinal changes in maternal postpartum nutritional status.Design: This prospective longitudinal study included 147 mothers who were on the 5th postpartum day applied to outpatient clinics, from January 2018 through January 2020. Each mother completed a structured questionnaire and baseline anthropometric measurements were performed at the postpartum 5th day and re-evaluated at the end of the first month after delivery.Participants: Mother-infant pairs (n = 147). Results: At the end of the first postpartum month, maternal body weight (relative change −5.1%, 95% CI: −5.6%;−4.6%), muscle mass ratio (−1.6%, 95% CI: −2.4%;−0.9%) and body fluid ratio (−2.4%, 95% CI: −3.1%;−1.7%) decreased, whereas fat mass ratio increased (10.3%, 95% CI: 9.0%;11.6%).There was a significant association between infants' feeding type and maternal BMI, weight, muscle mass ratio, body fluid ratio, triceps, and biceps skinfold thickness in mothers (p < .05). We also found a significant relationship between maternal smoke exposure and BMI, maternal weight, fat-mass ratio (p < .05). Conclusions: There are some important alterations in maternal anthropometric parameters during the postpartum period. This study will help further our understanding of the factors influencing changes in maternal body composition after delivery.

Mental Health during the Interpregnancy Period and the Association with Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Body Composition: Data from the INTER-ACT Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Including SOC and QoL in addition to depression and anxiety provided new insights and added value to the knowledge of the overall concept of mental health [ 62 ]. A further strength is the use of body composition measurement in addition to weight, as visceral fat and fat and muscle mass are strong markers for women’s global metabolic health [ 63 ].…”

Mental health after childbirth and the impact on postpartum weight retention and body composition. Data from the INTER‐ACT randomized controlled trial

“…Previous research indicated that three questions from the EPDS questionnaire were also sensitive for measurement of anxiety 33 . The three items 3–4–5 were brought together under the EDS‐3A and were used in the current analyses to enhance validity. We used a cut‐off score of 5, due the specificity of 90% and less misclassification than a lower cut‐off as shown in previous research 33…”

“…In Europe, more than one in three women start pregnancy with excessive weight or obesity 1,2 . These women are at increased risk for excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) 3 and therefore postpartum weight retention (PPWR) 4 . Globally, 50% to 75% of women are not returning to pre‐pregnancy weight 12 months after childbirth, 5,6 and this may lead to long‐term weight retention and associated cardiovascular and metabolic risks 5,7 .…”

“…1,2 These women are at increased risk for excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) 3 and therefore postpartum weight retention (PPWR). 4 Globally, 50% to 75% of women are not returning to pre-pregnancy weight 12 months after childbirth, 5,6 and this may lead to long-term weight retention and associated cardiovascular and metabolic risks. 5,7 Body composition (i.e., fat-and muscle mass, visceral fat) is a strong marker for women's global metabolic health, but data on the evolution of maternal body composition after childbirth are scarce.…”

“…5,7 Body composition (i.e., fat-and muscle mass, visceral fat) is a strong marker for women's global metabolic health, but data on the evolution of maternal body composition after childbirth are scarce. 4 Women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, whether or not in combination with excessive GWG, are at increased risk for postpartum depressive symptoms compared to their counterparts with a normal weight at the start of pregnancy. 8,9 Women with excessive GWG showed higher levels of maternal anxiety 2 days after childbirth compared to women with adequate GWG.…”