Background
Pregnancy provides an opportunity to identify young women at risk of future cardio-metabolic diseases. We aimed to determine the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors including metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among women in early pregnancy.
Methods
Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the Lyell McEwin Hospital prior to 16 weeks’ gestation were invited to take part in the study. Those who were willing to attend all four study visits were recruited. Data collected at the first visit included demographic information, medical history, previous obstetric history, family history, exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol intake. Height and weight were measured, and the haemodynamic profile was assessed non-invasively using USCOM BP+ machine. Blood glucose and lipids were assessed.
Results:
Data from 264 women were included in the analyses. The participants were aged between 18 – 46 years. Using the Harmonizing criteria to diagnose MetS, the prevalence of MetS in early pregnancy was 16%, (n = 41). The prevalences of individual MetS components were: high waist circumference, 97% (n = 255); high systolic blood pressure, 3.8% (n=10), high diastolic blood pressure, 1.1% (n=3), high triglycerides, 42.4% (n=112), low HDL 18.1% (n=48) and high random blood glucose level, 1.9% (n=5). The prevalences of other risk factors were: obesity, 38.3% (n=101), smoking, 4.5% (n=12), pre-existing hypertension, 3.4% (n=9), pre-existing type 2 diabetes, 1.5% (n=4), family history of hypertension, 23.9% (n= 63), family history of type 2 diabetes, 22% (n=58).
Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed among 16% of women prior to 16 weeks’ gestation. Screening in early pregnancy may help identify young women at risk of future cardio-metabolic diseases.
Keywords: Metabolic Syndrome, cardio-metabolic risk factors, pregnancy