Comparison of maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness and body mass index as markers for pregnancy outcomes: A stratified cohort study

Abstract

SFT at 18-22 weeks gestation is better than BMI as a marker for obesity-related pregnancy outcomes. As SFT is considered a surrogate measure for visceral fat, these results suggest that central obesity is a stronger risk factor than general adiposity in pregnancy.

Maternal abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness as a predictor for adverse pregnancy outcome: a longitudinal cohort study

“…40 We have shown a correlation between BMI and SFT2, consistent with a previous report. 29 Our research has also demonstrated that there is a wide variation in SFT1 and SFT2 for any given BMI in the overweight/obese categories ( Figure 1). This variation may be due to individual differences in central obesity and suggests that some women may be placed unnecessarily in high risk maternity clinics based on BMI categorisation.…”

“…The SFT measurements were taken at the cervix placenta view. 29 This was obtained by placing a standard convex array ultrasound transducer, mid-sagittal and superior to the symphysis pubis, measuring in the midline through the linea alba. Landmarks demonstrated on the ultrasound image were the bladder, cervix and uterus, ensuring that the image contained the skin line and that the tissue in the near field was easily distinguishable.…”

“…[23][24][25][26][27][28] From a retrospective study there is some evidence that abdominal SFT at mid-pregnancy between 18 and 22 weeks' gestation is superior to BMI to identify risk for obesity-related pregnancy complications. 29 In this prospective longitudinal study we tested whether previous findings of SFT could be confirmed and in addition whether changing these parameters to early pregnancy between 11 and 14 weeks as well as mid-pregnancy would have additional predictive value.…”

Facteurs prédictifs d’échec de l’intention de voie basse chez la primipare obèse

“…Il semble que le taux de cé sarienne augmente lorsque la graisse a une ré partition à pré dominance centrale [25]. Forts de cet argument, certains auteurs proposent de nouveaux outils qui semblent avoir une meilleure association statistique avec la survenue de cé sarienne que l'IMC : la mesure du tour de taille avant 14 SA et la mesure é chographique de la graisse sous-cutané e abdominale entre 18 et 22 SA [25,26].…”

Longitudinal variance of visceral fat thickness in pregnant adolescents

“…[2][3][4] It is known that pregnancy leads to an adipose tissue accumulation aiming to nutritionally supply the fetus 5 and VAT excess during early pregnancy may increase adverse perinatal outcomes and metabolic risk in later pregnancy. [6][7][8] Nevertheless, obesity effects on pregnancy outcomes may be determined by VAT deposition. Programming of obesity is determined in fetal life, highlighting the need for a better knowledge of the distribution of fat during pregnancy and its determinants.…”