Child somatic growth and neurodevelopment: effects of pregnancy lifestyle intervention

Abstract

Maternal health behavior influences offspring health and obesity risk. This study examined the long-term effects of an antenatal lifestyle intervention on somatic growth and neurodevelopment of preschool-aged children. We followed children born to women in the cluster-randomized GeliS trial who received usual care (CG) or lifestyle counseling (IG). Anthropometrics and neurodevelopment data for children aged 4 and 5 were collected from routine health examinations and the Ages-and-Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Of 2 286 women initially enrolled, 1 403 reported on their child’s development. The intervention had no effect on weight, height, head circumference, BMI, or percentiles and z-scores at ages 4 and 5. In IG compared to CG, the proportion of children with underweight was lower (4 years: 7.8% vs. 10.9%; 5 years: 8.1% vs. 8.9%), while overweight (4 years: 6.5% vs. 4.2%; 5 years: 5.1% vs. 3.4%) and obesity proportions (4 years: 1.0% vs. 1.1%; 5 years: 2.7% vs. 1.6%) were higher. IG children were more likely to fall into a higher weight category at 4 (p = 0.017) and 5 years (p = 0.075). ASQ scores were similar across both groups. Despite slight weight differences, the pregnancy lifestyle intervention had no meaningful impact on child somatic growth or neurodevelopment up to age 5.