Effect of food supplementation (WIC) during pregnancy on birth weight

Abstract

Of 824 women screened, 410 were enrolled at midpregnancy in a prospective, randomized, controlled nutrition intervention study. Of these, 226 were predicted as likely to have small or large babies, 184 to have average-sized babies. Two hundred thirty eight mothers received USDA Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Food Supplementation vouchers from midpregnancy, 172 did not. Leukocyte protein synthesis (as a cell model) was significantly higher (p = 0.009) by 36 weeks gestation in supplemented mothers. Mean birth weight of their babies was greater, 3254 vs 3163 g, (+91 g) p = 0.039, adjusted for sex, gestational age, prenatal visits, pregnancy interval, smoking, and previous low birth weight infants. Controlling for entry weight obviated the significance of the difference, except for WIC supplemented smokers (greater than 10 cigarettes/day) whose babies were significantly heavier by +168 g (p = 0.017) than those of unsupplemented smokers. WIC partially protects fetal growth in smokers.

PIP: Low birth weight and small for gestational age (SGA) babies demonstrate a greater incidence of cogenital malformation, perinatal death or morbidity, imparied postnatal growth, and neurologic disabilities. Consequently, studies have been designed to increase birth weight. These studies indicate that supplementation during both the 2nd period of most rapid fetal growth and 3rd trimesters have the greatest effect in increasing birth weight. Subjects were 824 women attending the prenatal clinics at the Oklahoma Memorial Hospital (OMH). Of the 824 women screened, 410 were enrolled at midpregnancy in a prosepctive, randomized, controlled nutrition intervention study. Of these, 226 were predicted as likely to have small or large babies, 184 to have average-sized babies. 238 mothers received USDA Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Food Supplementation vouchers from midpregnancy; 172 did not. WIC vouchers were for supplements of milk, eggs, and cheese and were intended to provide 40-50 g of protein and 900-1000 kcal daily. These were intended to augment the NRC Recommended Dietary Allowances for pregnancy and add to the regular diet of 1.1 g protein/kg/d and 28 kcal/kg/d. Leukocyte protein synthesis (as a cell model) was significantly higher (p=0.009) by 36 weeks gestation in supplemented mothers. By this time, a reduction in plasma alanine and B-globulin levels became evident. Mean birth weight of their babies was greater, 3254 vs 3163 g, (+91g) p=0.039, adjusted for sex, gestational age, prenatal visits, pregnancy interval, smoking, and previous low birth weight infants. Controlling for entry weight obviated the significance of the difference, except for WIC supplemented smokers (10 cigarettes/day) whose babies were significantly heavier by +168 g (p=0.017) than those of unsupplemented smokers. WIC partially protects fetal growth in smokers.