Early Bird or Night Owl? Investigating the Relationship Between Chronotype and Pregnancy Complications [11L]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Chronotype or circadian propensity to be a “morning person” or “evening person” has been predictive of adverse health outcomes in the non-pregnant population. Unfortunately, data regarding chronotype and pregnancy complications including diabetes and hypertension remain limited. METHODS: IRB approved prospective cohort of patients with a singleton pregnancy and no history of pre-existing diabetes were recruited at Augusta University Medical Center. Patients were consented if they were less than 28 weeks gestation and had not yet had a glucose tolerance test (GTT). Chronotype was assessed by a validated Horne-Ostberg Morningness-Evenings Questionnaire (MEQ). The MEQ consisted of 19 questions about preferred sleep time and daily performances. Scores ranged from 16-86 and based on results patients were categorized as being morning (59-86), intermediate (42-58), or evening (16-41) type. Data was subsequently obtained on pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Between 11/2018-05/2019, outcome data was obtained from 309 women who completed the MEQ. 34.6%, 45.6%, and 19.8% of women were identified as having morning, intermediate, and evening chronotype respectively. Baseline demographics between groups were comparable. Although, the “evening” type group had a lower proportion of GDM there was no statistical difference between chronotype and development of GDM (P=.457). Furthermore, no statistical significance exists between chronotype and the development of GHTN (P=.813) or PE (P=.768). CONCLUSION: To date, this is the first study to examine this association between chronotype and pregnancy complications. While chronotype is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, further studies with larger sample sizes may provide an insight on circadian rhythms in predicting adverse outcomes.

Morningness/eveningness in gestational diabetes mellitus: clinical characteristics and maternal-neonatal outcomes

“…Evening chronotype, independent of the presence of diabetes or other comorbidities, has been associated with a greater risk of sleep alterations and mood symptoms [13]. In a previous report on non-diabetic pregnancy, evening chronotype was not related to adverse outcomes nor gestational diabetes (33). Conversely, another study retrospectively evaluating 313 pregnant women showed that lower MEQ was associated with preterm delivery and preeclampsia (34).…”