Low Serum Vitamin B-12 Concentrations Are Prevalent in a Cohort of Pregnant Canadian Women.

Background: Among Canadian women of reproductive age, 5% and 20% have serum vitamin B-12 concentrations indicative of deficiency (<148 pmol/L) and marginal status (148-220 pmol/L), respectively. Given the association between suboptimal vitamin B-12 and adverse pregnancy outcomes, an understanding of vitamin B-12 status during pregnancy, and factors that influence it, is required.

Objective: This prospective analysis from the PREFORM (PREnatal FOlic acid exposuRe on DNA Methylation in the newborn infant) study investigated 1) vitamin B-12 status in a cohort of Canadian pregnant women and their newborns, 2) the association of maternal dietary vitamin B-12 intake with maternal and cord blood concentrations of vitamin B-12 and its biomarkers, and 3) the association of fetal genetic polymorphisms with cord blood concentrations of vitamin B-12 and its biomarkers.

High concentrations of folate and unmetabolized folic acid in a cohort of pregnant Canadian women and umbilical cord blood.

Background: Mandatory fortification, prevalent supplement use, and public health guidelines recommending periconceptional supplementation have increased folic acid intakes in North American pregnant women. However, the effects of increased folic acid intakes during pregnancy on maternal and cord blood folate concentrations have not been well established.

Objectives: In this prospective study, we determined maternal and cord blood concentrations of folate and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in a cohort of pregnant Canadian women and their newborns and examined the effect of maternal intakes of folate and folic acid and fetal genetic variants in folate metabolism on folate status.

Pregnant Canadian Women Achieve Recommended Intakes of One-Carbon Nutrients through Prenatal Supplementation but the Supplement Composition, Including Choline, Requires Reconsideration.

Background: Folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and choline are involved in one-carbon metabolism and play critical roles in pregnancy including prevention of birth defects and promotion of neurodevelopment. However, excessive intakes may adversely affect disease susceptibility in offspring. Intakes of these nutrients during pregnancy are not well characterized.

Maternal Choline Status, but Not Fetal Genotype, Influences Cord Plasma Choline Metabolite Concentrations.

Background: Choline deficiency during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes, including impaired neurodevelopment and birth defects. Genetic variants of choline and one-carbon metabolism may also influence birth outcomes by altering plasma choline concentrations. The effects of maternal ad libitum choline intake during pregnancy and fetal genetic variants on maternal and cord concentrations of choline and its metabolites are unknown.

Outcomes of pregnancy in women with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Objective: To describe pregnancy outcomes in women with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of women with HHT (18-55 years of age) from the Toronto HHT Database using a telephone questionnaire regarding pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes.

Results: A total of 244 pregnancies were reported in 87 women with HHT.

Abdominal visceral adiposity in the first trimester predicts glucose intolerance in later pregnancy.

Objective: To assess whether abdominal adiposity in early pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of glucose intolerance at a later gestational stage.

Research Design And Methods: Subcutaneous and visceral fat was measured with ultrasonography at approximately 12 weeks' gestation. A 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) was performed between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in women with a multiple pregnancy: an analysis of risks and pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the incidence and perinatal outcomes of multiple pregnancies complicated by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in an urban population.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all multiple gestation deliveries at our institution between January 2004 and December 2005. Antepartum and delivery data were collected for all patients.

A rare etiology of delayed postpartum hemorrhage.

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage, immediate or delayed, is a leading cause of maternal death. The most common etiologies are retained products of conception, infection, and subinvolution of the placental implantation site.

Case: A 31-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, had an uneventful pregnancy after infertility treatment.

Gastroschisis: what is the average gestational age of spontaneous delivery?

Background/purpose: To consolidate what is known about pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis through analysis of one of the largest series yet reported and to define the average gestational age of spontaneous delivery.

Methods: From 1980 to 2001, 159 pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis were identified at a tertiary care center. Gestational age at delivery, birth weight, preterm delivery rate, and maternal age were compared to the 2001 general population statistics.