Maternal Body Mass Index during Pregnancy and Offspring Neurocognitive Development

Abstract

Background: This hypothesis generating study explores second trimester maternal body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy and offspring neurocognitive development. Methods: Mothers and offspring served as controls in two earlier studies: 101 children at age two years and 118 children at age eight years. Results Frequency of maternal BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 increased from 10% in 1987-1990 to 30% in 2004-2006 ( P < 0.001); the socioeconomic gradient became more pronounced. At age two, one or more BSID-III (Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd Edition) scores <85 were more frequent with higher maternal BMI ( P = 0.029); regression analysis suggested an inverse relationship between language scores and BMI ( P = 0.054). Among eight-year-olds, one or more WISC-III (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 3rd edition) scores <85 increased with maternal BMI ( P = 0.017); regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between performance subscale IQ score and BMI ( P = 0.023). Conclusion: Second trimester maternal obesity may be an independent risk factor for some aspects of children's neurocognitive development. Further study is indicated.