Researchers investigate the potential relationship between maternal fat mass and long-term mental health issues in children born to these mothers.
By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDReviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc.Sep 26 2024 New research reveals that maternal obesity before and during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of neuropsychiatric and behavioral conditions in children, including a 32% higher risk of ADHD and more than double the risk of autism.
How does obesity during pregnancy affect infant health? As obesity rates throughout the world continue to rise, the presence of obesity both before and during pregnancy among women has become a significant public health issue. Maternal adiposity can increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, small or large for gestational-age infants, and stillbirth.
About the study The current study involved a systematic and comprehensive review of published research investigating the association between maternal adiposity and neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring. ASD risk was increased by 9% and 42% with preconception overweight and obesity, respectively. During pregnancy, maternal obesity was associated with a two-fold increased risk of ASD in offspring. Conduct disorder, which is associated with severe antisocial and aggressive behaviors, was 16% more likely in the offspring of mothers with preconception obesity but not those who were overweight before becoming pregnant.
Potential explanations The association between mental and behavioral abnormalities with maternal adiposity may be attributed to adiposity-related low-grade systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, perturbation of fatty acid metabolism, and hormonal imbalance.
Mental Health Obesity Anxiety Brain Diabetes Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy Psychiatry Public Health Research Stillbirth Stress
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Anne's 'lovely, maternal' response to crying child who went on to become TV starPrincess Anne has been praised for her hard work and dedication to the monarchy, with one star recalling the royal's heartwarming response to her when she was just 10 years old
Read more »
– how I'm transforming Black maternal mental health'Sandra Lgwe, a mum-of-3 and Founder of The Motherhood Group, supporting Black maternal experience, shares her motherhood experience and her mission for change to coincide with Black Maternal Mental Health Week
Read more »
Maternal influenza infection in pregnancy tied to seizures in offspringMaternal influenza infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for seizures and febrile convulsions in offspring, according to a study published online Sept. 23 in JAMA Network Open.
Read more »
Unhealthy maternal diet may lead to heart and diabetes risks in offspringBabies born to pregnant women with obesity are more likely to develop heart problems and diabetes as adults due to fetal damage caused by the high-fat, high-energy diet of their mother.
Read more »
Coleen Nolan Reveals Deepest Maternal Fear: Her Children Falling OutOn Loose Women, Coleen Nolan opened up about her fear of her children ceasing to communicate, drawing parallels to the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry. She discussed the impact of matriarchal figures like Princess Diana and her own past family disputes.
Read more »
Maternal prenatal smoking linked to poor academic outcomes in childrenSmoking harms almost every part of your body. But if you smoke when pregnant, the toxic chemicals in tobacco will also harm your unborn baby, with new research showing that it could lead to reduced academic outcomes at school.
Read more »