Association between physical activity in early pregnancy and markers of placental growth and function.

Objectives: It has been suggested that physical activity (PA) can influence the development of the placenta and the risk of placenta-mediated complications of pregnancy. We evaluated the association between PA and early markers of placental development.

Methods: Ninety-four nulliparous women were invited to participate in a prospective observational cohort study.

Bacteriology of amniotic fluid in women with suspected cervical insufficiency.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of mid-trimester microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) in women with suspected cervical insufficiency.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was performed in women with suspected cervical insufficiency and visible fetal membranes who were undergoing amniocentesis to rule out MIAC between 16 and 26 weeks of gestation. Women with preterm premature rupture of membranes, regular uterine contractions, or who had a cervical cerclage were excluded.

Factors influencing the initiation and duration of breastfeeding among low-income women followed by the Canada prenatal nutrition program in 4 regions of quebec.

The factors that influence the actual initiation and duration of breastfeeding were studied among low-income women followed by the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP). A group of 196 pregnant women were selected at random from a sample of 6223 pregnant women who registered with the CPNP. Two 24-hour recalls and information regarding lifestyle habits, peer support, and infant-feeding practices were obtained between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation and 21 days and 6 months after birth.

Maternal dietary intake and pregnancy outcome.

Objective: To study the relationship between maternal diet and infant anthropometric measurements in 56 women, aged 28 +/- 5.1 years, with singleton pregnancies.

Study Design: The overall quality of the diet (three 24-hour recalls), including supplementation, was evaluated at 34 +/- 1.