Lifetime cardiovascular risk factors and maternal and offspring birth outcomes: Bogalusa Babies.

Both cardiovascular and reproductive complications may have origins in utero or in early life. Women in the Bogalusa Heart Study (n = 1401) had been linked to birth certificates for birthweight and gestational data, which were examined relative to childhood (ages 4-16) cardiometabolic indicators, indicated by mean levels overall and total risk factor burden as estimated by area under the curve (AUC) computed from longitudinal quadratic random-effects growth models. Women reported the birthweight and gestational age of each of their own pregnancies, and delivery medical records were linked to interview data where possible. Path analyses were conducted to examine the relationships among a woman's own birth outcomes, childhood and preconception adult cardiovascular health, and birth outcomes. Mean blood pressure (systolic blood pressure (SBP) adjusted relative risk (aRR) per 1-SD increase, 1.27, 95% CI 1.04-1.57) and low-density lipoprotein (aRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.44) in childhood predicted preterm birth (PTB), while mean SBP (aRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02-1.74) predicted term low birthweight. The AUC data suggested an association between blood pressure and PTB (aRR for SBP top 10%, 1.86, 95% CI 1.08-3.21). Pre-pregnancy total cholesterol was negatively associated with gestational age. In path analyses, positive associations were found for each step between own birthweight, childhood BMI, pre-pregnancy BMI, and child's birthweight. Childhood levels of some, though not all, cardiovascular risk factors may predict adverse birth outcomes (preterm birth and reduced fetal growth).