Postpartum Weight Change in Relation to Pre-Pregnancy Weight and Gestational Weight Gain in Women in Low-Income Setting: Data from the KITE Cohort in the Northern Part of Ethiopia

(1) Background: Postpartum weight may increase compared to pre-pregnancy due to weight retention or decrease due to weight loss. Both changes could pose deleterious effects on maternal health and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess postpartum weight change and its associated factors. (2) Methods: A total of 585 women from the KIlte-Awlaelo Tigray Ethiopia (KITE) cohort were included in the analysis. (3) Results: The mean pre-pregnancy body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy were 19.7 kg/m2 and 10.8 kg, respectively. At 18 to 24 months postpartum, the weight change ranged from −3.2 to 5.5 kg (mean = 0.42 kg [SD = 1.5]). In addition, 17.8% of women shifted to normal weight and 5.1% to underweight compared to the pre-pregnancy period. A unit increase in weight during pregnancy was associated with higher weight change (β = 0.56 kg, 95% CI [0.52, 0.60]) and increased probability to achieve normal weight (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI [1.37, 2.00]). Food insecurity (AOR = 5.26, 95% CI [1.68, 16.50]), however, was associated with a shift to underweight postpartum. Interestingly, high symptoms of distress (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI [0.03, 0.48]) also negatively impacted a change in weight category. (4) Conclusions: In low-income settings such as northern Ethiopia, higher weight gain and better mental health during pregnancy may help women achieve a better nutritional status after pregnancy and before a possible subsequent pregnancy.

Challenges Facing during Pregnancy and Measures to Overcome

Pregnancy is a time of transformation for both the mother and the baby, with significant physical and emotional changes. There are many discomforts that occur during pregnancy. Morning sickness, headache and backache, bladder and bowel changes, changes in hair and skin colour, indigestion and heartburn, leg cramps and swelling, vaginal thrush and discharge are the few common complications facing during pregnancy. As a result, the aim of this study was to describe the difficulties in obtaining health information and the measures to overcome the discomfort during pregnancy. Research articles for this review were searched by using the keywords “pregnancy”, health issues”, “measures to overcome”, “challenges”. There were studies that looked at the health problems that women face during pregnancy were included in this review article. Pregnancy issues such as gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preeclampsia, caesarean birth, and postpartum weight retention are all more likely in overweight and obese women. More research into the link between nutritional advancements and the rising prevalence of GDM in the developing world is needed. Iron supplementation has been linked to glucose dysregulation and hypertension in mid-pregnancy; its effectiveness and potential risks should be carefully considered. As a result, legislators and health planners should remove barriers, promote self-care, and improve the quality of life for pregnant women, ultimately improving their health.

Microstructural regulation, oxidation resistance, and mechanical properties of Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites prepared by chemical vapor infiltration with precursor infiltration pyrolysis

To further improve the oxidation resistance of polymer derived ceramic (PDC) composites in harsh environments, Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites were prepared by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) and precursor impregnation pyrolysis (PIP) methods. The weight retention change, mechanical properties, and microstructure of Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC before and after oxidation in air were studied in details. Microscopic analyses showed that only the interface between the ceramics and fibers was oxidized to some extent, and hafnium had been enriched on the composite surface after oxidizing at different temperature. The main oxidation products of Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites were HfO2 and HfSiO4 after oxidation at 1500 °C for 60 min. Moreover, the weight retention ratio and compressive strength of the Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites are 83.97% and 23.88±3.11 MPa, respectively. It indicates that the Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites should be promising to be used for a short time in the oxidation environment at 1500 °C.

The Association between Weight-related Variables and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms

Objectives: Postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) are common, and weight-related variables may be risk factors. In this study, we examined associations between weight-related variables and PPDS in postpartum women. Methods: Participants who gave birth within the past 12 months completed an online survey assessing various weight-related variables and PPDS. We examined associations between weight-related variables and PPDS using regression models. Results: Participants (N=315) were 30.1±3.9 years of age and 5.6±3.7 months postpartum. A majority were white (96.2%), married (87.9%), and had a bachelor's degree or higher (70.5%). Having a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and current BMI, lower weight loss at 6 months postpartum, and substantial postpartum weight retention were associated with higher PPDS. There was no relationship between total gestational weight gain, IOM weight gain category, excess weight gain, postpartum weight retention, and pre-pregnancy-to-postpartum change in BMI, and postpartum depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Understanding factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms can help to develop and implement appropriate screenings/follow-ups and interventions among those at greatest risk. Given the potential connection to PPDS, there is a need for interventions aimed at promoting healthy pre-conception weight and helping women to lose excess pregnancy weight during the postpartum period.

Postpartum dietary and physical activity-related beliefs and behaviors among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study from Singapore

Background A woman with a history of GDM has at least seven-fold increased lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared to women who have normoglycemic pregnancies. Postpartum lifestyle modification has been shown to reduce postpartum weight retention and prevent the progression to T2DM. The aim of this study was to explore the postpartum dietary and physical activity-related beliefs and behaviors among women in Singapore who had GDM in their most recent pregnancies. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 women, who were up to four months postpartum and had GDM in their most recent pregnancies. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Three themes were identified in the analysis: (1) risk perception and knowledge regarding future diabetes, (2) suboptimal diet and physical activity after delivery and (3) factors influencing the postpartum lifestyle. Conclusions The study findings provided useful information on the postpartum lifestyle beliefs and behaviors among women with a history of GDM. Most participants had low risk perception of future diabetes and their diet and physical activity after delivery were suboptimal due to various influences. These insights can be used to design tailored materials and programs to support women who have had GDM reduce their risk of developing future T2DM.

1309Breastfeeding and weight retention in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): LINDA-Brasil Cohort

Background Breastfeeding seems to be inversely related to postpartum weight retention (PPWR), but this relationship is unclear in women with GDM. We aimed to describe the association between breastfeeding and PPWR at 1 year postpartum in women with GDM. Methods Multicentre cohort study of 524 women with GDM enrolled in prenatal clinics of the Brazilian National Health System and followed by telephone up to one year postpartum. Socio-demographics and pre-gestational weight were obtained during recruitment. Breastfeeding and post-partum maternal weight through telephone calls. PPWR was defined as 1-year postpartum weight minus pre-pregnancy weight and categorized as above and below the 80th sample percentile of retention. Breastfeeding was categorized as duration greater or less than 6 months. Adjusted Poisson regression was performed to assess relative risks (RR). Results Most women were 30 to 39 years old (50.6%), multiparous (71.0%), 39.5% completed high school, 60.1% were non-white (60.1%). Mean pre-gestational BMI was 30.42 (± 6.7) kg/m² and the mean weight gain during pregnancy was 9.5 (± 7.1) kg. After adjustments for previous variables, breastfeeding for 6 months or more reduced by 35% (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.47; 0.90, p < 0.01) the incidence of 1-year PPWR up to 80th percentile (≥7Kg) compared to breastfeeding less than 6 months. Conclusions Breastfeeding up to 6 months might be encouraged in women with GDM to help preventing higher levels of 1-year PPWR. Key messages Breastfeeding up to 6 months was associated with less PPWR at 1 year after delivery in women with GDM.