The Possible Relationship of Adiponectin and Gestational Weight Gain during Different Stages of Pregnancy Amongst Different Ethnic Groups

Introduction: Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) is defined as weight gain between conception and birth. Adiponectin, a fat derived hormone, has an inverse relationship with weight gain. We investigated the relationship of maternal adiponectin concentration and GWG during different pregnancy stages among ethnic groups. Method: Serum adiponectin levels were measured at entry (week 16) and trimester three (week 28) in pregnant women (n = 1634, age 22.0±5.3, pre-pregnancy BMI 25.7±6.3) which included Hispanic (47%), African American (37%) and Caucasian (16%) women. GWG was measured at week 24, 28, 32, and delivery and was divided into inadequate, adequate, and excessive according to Institute of Medicine guidelines. Multivariable analyses controlling for potential confounding variables were performed. IRB approval was obtained for this study. Results: Adiponectin levels differ among ethnic groups during early and late pregnancy. At entry, Hispanic (17.90±0.32 μg/ml) and African American (16.50±0.37 μg/ml) women have significantly lower levels compared to Caucasian women (19.34±0.57 μg/ml;