A Cagnacci1, A Renzi, S Arangino, C Alessandrini, A Volpe. 1. Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Paediatric Sciences, Gynaecology Unit, Policlinico of Modena, Via del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy. cagnacci@unimore.it
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Less than optimal reproductive conditions may be associated with a secondary sex ratio biased towards females. Body weight represents a critical determinant of reproduction. Accordingly, we evaluated whether preconception body weight and weight gain during pregnancy influence the sex ratio of human offspring. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 10 239 births in 1997-2001. Time of conception, preconception body weight and net weight gain during pregnancy were obtained for 9284 pregnancies. RESULTS: The secondary sex ratio of mothers in the lowest quartile of pre-pregnancy body weight (<54.6 kg) was lower than that of the other three quartiles (0.497 versus 0.525; P < 0.01). In contrast, the sex ratio of children born by the women in the highest quartile of weight gain during pregnancy appeared lower than that of the first three quartiles (0.493 versus 0.516; P = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: A low pre-pregnancy weight and a greater weight gain during pregnancy are both associated with a reduced secondary sex ratio. These data indicate that in women with non-optimal reproductive/metabolic conditions, a greater attrition is exerted on male than on female offspring.
BACKGROUND: Less than optimal reproductive conditions may be associated with a secondary sex ratio biased towards females. Body weight represents a critical determinant of reproduction. Accordingly, we evaluated whether preconception body weight and weight gain during pregnancy influence the sex ratio of human offspring. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 10 239 births in 1997-2001. Time of conception, preconception body weight and net weight gain during pregnancy were obtained for 9284 pregnancies. RESULTS: The secondary sex ratio of mothers in the lowest quartile of pre-pregnancy body weight (<54.6 kg) was lower than that of the other three quartiles (0.497 versus 0.525; P < 0.01). In contrast, the sex ratio of children born by the women in the highest quartile of weight gain during pregnancy appeared lower than that of the first three quartiles (0.493 versus 0.516; P = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: A low pre-pregnancy weight and a greater weight gain during pregnancy are both associated with a reduced secondary sex ratio. These data indicate that in women with non-optimal reproductive/metabolic conditions, a greater attrition is exerted on male than on female offspring.
Authors: Cynthia M Bulik; Ann Von Holle; Kelly Gendall; Kari Kveim Lie; Elizabeth Hoffman; Xiaofei Mo; Leila Torgersen; Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud Journal: Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand Date: 2008 Impact factor: 3.636
Authors: Metrecia L Terrell; Alissa K Berzen; Chanley M Small; Lorraine L Cameron; Julie J Wirth; Michele Marcus Journal: Environ Health Date: 2009-08-15 Impact factor: 5.984