Effects of Maternal Obesity on Offspring Brain Development

Effects of Maternal Obesity on Offspring Brain Development

The goal of this study is to see if there are negative effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy on offspring's brain development.

This study will recruit pregnant women who are either obese or normal weight and otherwise healthy. We will measure their body composition, food intake and other characteristics during pregnancy. When their babies are born, we will evaluate the brain development of their babies using magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography at age two weeks. We will then compare the findings and see if their are differences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 18.5-25 or >30 with early OB visit medical records accessible
• singleton pregnancy
• about 36wks of pregnancy
• at least 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• hypertension, diabetes, or other preexisting medical conditions
• medications known to influence fetal growth
• recreational drugs, nicotine or tobacco use of alcohol use while pregnant
• pregnancy conception with assisted fertility treatment
• medical complications developed during pregnancy