Changes in Serum Lipid Levels During Pregnancy and Association With Neonatal Outcomes: A Large Cohort Study

Background: This study is aimed to characterize changes in serum lipid levels throughout pregnancy and explore the association between lipid levels and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This study included singleton pregnancy women who received regular prenatal care and delivered at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2014 to December 2014. Baseline information and neonatal outcomes were collected from medical record review. Serum lipid levels in the first trimester (7-13 weeks) and third trimester (>32 weeks) were measured. A multivariate regression model was constructed to examine the association between lipid levels and neonatal outcomes. Covariance structure analysis was conducted to explore the contribution of lipid profiles on birth weight. Results: A total of 10 366 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol levels increased significantly from the first trimester to the third trimester. Triglyceride levels in both early and late pregnancy were significantly associated with an increased risk of macrosomia and preterm birth. Serum lipid levels in the first trimester significantly contributed to the lipid levels in the third trimester, while TG and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the third trimester were associated with birth weight. Conclusion: Elevated TG levels throughout pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery and macrosomia. Serum lipid levels in the third trimester are mainly accounted for by their levels in the first trimester and are also associated with birth weight.