To investigate the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in offspring, particularly in the context of excessive eating.
Approach:
Study Design: Utilized a population-based birth registry of nearly 2.5 million individuals born in Sweden from 1982 to 2014, linking records with multiple medical databases.
Statistical Analysis: Employed Cox proportional hazards regression models to assess the relationship between maternal weight and offspring CVD, addressing confounding factors.
Key Findings:
Increased maternal BMI and GWG are associated with a higher risk of CVD in offspring.
The association strengthens with greater maternal overweight and obesity.
The study supports the fetal origins hypothesis, indicating that prenatal nutrition may influence metabolic characteristics in the fetus.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest a link between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and cardiovascular health in children.
Limitations:
The study cannot confirm a causal relationship between maternal overweight and offspring CVD.
Data limitations prevented evaluation of maternal dietary patterns and physical activity during pregnancy.
Existing interventions to reduce maternal GWG have not consistently shown beneficial effects on child outcomes.
Conclusion:
The association between maternal overweight and offspring CVD highlights the importance of understanding maternal nutrition.
Baptist Health South Florida will host the Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care 43rd Annual Echocardiography and Structural Heart Symposium on Oct. 2-3 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel.
