Maternal Metabolic Biomarkers are Associated with Obesity and Excess Gestational Weight Gain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the independent contribution of maternal obesity and gestational weight gain (GWG) in excess of the Institute of Medicine's guidelines on levels of maternal serum inflammatory and metabolic measures.

Study Design: Banked maternal serum samples from 120 subjects with documented prepregnancy or first trimester body mass index (BMI) were utilized for analyte analyses. Validated, BMI-specific formulas were utilized to categorize GWG as either insufficient, at goal or excess based on the Institute of Medicine guidelines with gestational age adjustments.

The preterm placental microbiome varies in association with excess maternal gestational weight gain.

Objective: Although a higher maternal body mass index is associated with preterm birth, it is unclear whether excess gestational weight gain (GWG) or obesity drives increased risk. We and others have shown that the placenta harbors microbiota, which is significantly different among preterm births. Our aim in this study was to investigate whether the preterm placental microbiome varies by virtue of obesity or alternately by excess GWG.