Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The availability and provision of good antenatal care services ensure early detection and prompt management of any complication or disease that may adversely affect pregnancy outcome. To ensure high quality care, an ongoing health education and empowerment of pregnant women with pregnancy related information, need to be provided by midwives throughout pregnancy. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore the pregnant women`s experiences and perceptions regarding health education given during the antenatal period. The objectives set were to - explore the content of the health education given to pregnant women by midwives during the antenatal period - determine whether the health education offered by midwives is understood by pregnant women - determine whether information regarding Health Education during antenatal period is applicable and is used by pregnant women. A qualitative approach with an explorative descriptive design was applied for the purpose of this study. The population included pregnant women who attended an antenatal clinic for the second time in 2012. Ten pregnant women were selected purposively who consented to participate in the study. The trustworthiness of this study was assured by using Lincoln and Guba`s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. A pretest was done with one participant not included in the actual study. Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, reference: S12/05/136. Informed written consent was obtained from each participant which included a recording of the interview. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide and a tape recorder. The researcher approached two women per day for five days. A total of ten (10) pregnant women were interviewed until data saturation reached. The use of Tesch's eight steps of data analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data as described in De Vos et al. (2004:331). Findings revealed that health education was given to pregnant women at the institution under study but with minimum explanations. The midwives were perceived as supportive and regarded as a source of information and self-care agents. Antenatal attendance was regarded as important by participants. Participants indicated that their unborn babies were monitored by the midwives in order to detect abnormalities early. However, midwives emphasised non-pregnancy related complications specifically HIV/AIDS and neglected to give basic antenatal care, such as antenatal exercises, personal hygiene and diet. Language was found to be a barrier and contributed to a lack of information. Recommendations include basic antenatal aspects to be covered in the health education, such as emphasis on personal hygiene, exercises, diet and avoidance of harmful sociocultural practices. With the implementation of appropriate teaching principles language, age and involvement of influential people during health education should be considered. In conclusion, to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality rates and promoting self-care reliance, antenatal care services should be accessible to facilitate ongoing health education by midwives throughout pregnancy. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die beskikbaarheid en voorsiening van goeie voorgeboortesorgdienste verseker die vroeë en vinnige bestuur van enige komplikasie of siekte wat swangerskap-uitkomste nadelig mag beïnvloed. Om hoë gehalte sorg te verseker, moet gesondheidsvoorligting en bemagtiging van swangervroue rakende swangerskap inligting deurlopend deur vroedvroue verskaf word. Die doel van hierdie studie was om vervolgens die swangervrou se ervaringe en persepsies ten opsigte van gesondheidsopvoeding gedurende die voorgeboortelike stadium te ondersoek. .Die doelwitte soos gestel was om: - die inhoud van die gesondheidsvoorligting wat deur vroedvroue gedurende die voorgeboorte periode aan swangervroue verskaf word, te ondersoek - te bepaal of die gesondheidsvoorligting wat verskaf word deur vroedvroue deur swangervroue verstaan word - vas te stel of die ligting aan swangervroue gepas is en te bepaal of dit toegepas word deur swangervroue. ’n Kwalitatiewe benadering met ’n beskrywende ontwerp is vir die doel van hierdie studie toegepas. Die populasie het swangervroue ingesluit wat ’n voorgeboortekliniek vir die tweede keer gedurende 2012 besoek het. Tien vrouens is doelgerig geselekteer wat daartoe ingestem het om aan die navorsing deel te neem. Die betroubaarheid van hierdie studie was verseker deur van Lincoln en Guba se kriteria van geloofwaardigheid, oordraagbaarheid, betroubaarheid en bevestigbaarheid gebruik te maak. ’n Loodsondersoek was met een deelnemer wat nie in die werklike studie ingesluit was nie, gedoen. Etiese goedkeuring is verkry van die Etiese Komitee van die Fakulteit van Geneeskunde en Gesondheidswetenskappe aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, verwysing: S12/05/136. Ingeligte skriftelike toestemming is verkry van elke deelnemer wat ook ’n opname van die onderhoud ingesluit het. Data is ingesamel deur van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude gebruik te maak met behulp van ’n onderhoudsgids en ’n bandopnemer. Die gebruik van Tesch se ag stappe van data-analise is gebruik om die getranskribeerde data te analiseer (De Vos et al., 2004:331). Bevindinge het getoon dat gesondheidsvoorligting wel aan swangervroue by die inrigting onder die soeklig met die minimum verduidelikings verskaf is. Die vroedvroue is as ondersteunend en as ’n bron van inligting, asook as selfsorgagente waargeneem. Voorgeboorte bywoning is as belangrik deur deelnemers gesien. Deelnemers het aangedui dat hulle ongebore babas gemonitor is deur vroedvroue om abnormaliteite vroeg op te spoor. Nietemin, vroedvroue het nie-verwante swangerskap komplikasies, spesifiek MIV/VIGS beklemtoon en het nagelaat om aandag te gee aan basiese voorgeboortesorg soos voorgeboorte oefeninge, persoonlike higiëne en dieet. Daar is bevind dat taal ’n hindernis is en dat dit bygedra het tot ’n gebrek aan inligting. Aanbevelings sluit in basiese voorgeboorte aspekte wat gedek moet word in gesondheidsvoorligting, soos die beklemtoning van persoonlike higiëne, oefeninge, dieet en die vermyding van nadelige sosio-kulturele praktyke. Met die implimentering van doeltreffende onderrigbeginsels moet taal, ouderdom en die betrokkenheid van invloedryke mense gedurende gesondheidsvoorligting in ag geneem word. Ten slotte, om moeder-morbiditeit en-mortaliteitsyfers te verminder en selfsorgvertroue te bevorder, behoort voorgeboortesorgdienste toeganklik te wees, sodat vroedvroue volgehoue gesondheidsvoorligting tydens swangerskap kan fasiliteer.

Thesis (MTech (Biomedical Sciences))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Group B Streptococci (GBS) can asymptomatically colonise the vagina and rectum of women. Studies have shown that this bacterium is the leading cause of septicemia, meningitis and pneumonia in neonates. In Namibia no known studies have investigated GBS colonisation and the antibiotic resistance profile of GBS isolates in pregnant women. This study accessed the GBS colonisation rate amongst the pregnant women who attended the Windhoek Central Hospital Antenatal Clinic (Khomas region), in Namibia for a period of 13 months. Furthermore, using the VITEK 2 system, the GBS isolates were tested against the following antimicrobial substances; benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, vancomycin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, linezolid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Penicillin G is the drug of choice in the majority of studies, and seems to be the most effective drug for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). All the GBS isolates found in this study were also analysed for the presence of selected genes known to be associated with resistance to key antibiotics using specific primers within a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Impaired intrauterine growth, inability of the fetus to achieve the required growth potential, contributes to a higher burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Intrauterine growth is an inferred process and small for gestational age is considered a rough estimate of impaired intrauterine growth that requires reliable gestational age data. Due to sparse data and measurement errors in gestational age, researchers rely on markers such as birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference to infer fetal growth. While the etiology of impaired fetal growth is multifactorial, maternal anemia and undernutrition contribute substantially to impaired fetal growth and are prioritized in 2030 global nutrition goals by the World Health Assembly. Nutrition supplements such as lipid-based nutrient supplements, multiple micronutrients, and iron or folic acid during pregnancy are presumed to improve maternal anemia. But the effect of the supplements during pregnancy on fetal growth appears to be small to negligible, which has shifted the researcher’s focus to the pre-conception period. However, prior reviews on the preconception period have either synthesized the evidence from observational studies, or have explored outcomes such as congenital anomalies (e.g., neural tube defects), neurodevelopment disorders, or only birth weight. Hence the evidence from existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of preconception nutrition supplements on maternal anemia and all markers of fetal growth including birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference has not been systematically summarized and synthesized. We bridged this knowledge gap in the current dissertation (Aim 1). The Women First (WF) Preconception Nutrition Trial found that lipid-based nutrient supplementation started preconception or during pregnancy conferred greater benefits for birth weight and birth length among mothers who were anemic (Hemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dL) than among mothers who were non-anemic (Hb ≥ 12 g/dL) pre-pregnancy. However, by dichotomizing women into anemic and non-anemic women, we may miss high-risk women with specific Hb levels who may obtain greater benefits for intrauterine growth associated with the supplements. Assessing the effect of preconception nutrient supplements across a range of pre-pregnancy Hb levels will help us identify women with specific Hb cut-offs who may have the greatest potential to respond to the supplements (Aim 2). Additionally, there are major gaps in understanding the mechanisms of how nutrient supplements, consumed either before or during pregnancy, improve intrauterine growth. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms would allow for fine-tuning of nutrition interventions for greater efficacy. Here, we examined whether Hb during pregnancy could be a potential mechanism through which nutrition supplements improve intrauterine growth (Aim 3). For Aim 1, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of the RCTs evaluating the effect of preconception nutrition supplements on maternal hemoglobin and markers of intrauterine growth including birth weight, birth length, birth head circumference, and small for gestational age. Additionally, we examined preterm birth as an important perinatal outcome. We searched electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central. We computed pooled mean differences and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effect models. We employed I2 and Cochran’s Q test statistics to assess heterogeneity. We used the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations) tool to assess the quality of evidence. For Aim 2 and Aim 3, we leveraged the existing data from a large multi-country Women First (WF) Preconception Nutrition Trial conducted in Pakistan, India, Guatemala, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Women in the WF trial were randomized to consume a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) at least three months before and during pregnancy (Arm 1- preconception), only during pregnancy (Arm 2- during), or not at all (Arm 3 - control). The outcome was weight, length, and head circumference within 48 hours of birth expressed as Z-scores. For Aim 2, we analyzed the WF trial data on 2443 women-newborn dyads. For each site, we computed adjusted mean differences in these Z-scores between the randomized arms across six pre-pregnancy Hb categories (8-8.9, 9-9.9, 10-10.9, 11-11.9, 12-12.9, and ≥13g/dL) based on Hb distributions. We pooled site-specific effect measures using meta-analysis. For Aim 3, hemoglobin measured at 12 (n=2075) and 32 weeks of gestation (n=2157) was a mediator. We employed causal mediation analysis under a counterfactual approach to estimate direct and indirect effects. For Aim 1, we identified 20 eligible RCTs (n=27,659 women). Preconception nutrition supplements (iron and folic acid, multiple micronutrients, and a lipid-based nutrient supplement) increased maternal hemoglobin by 0.30g/dL ((0.03, 0.57); I2=79%). However, we did not find a significant effect of the supplements on birth weight (12.47gm ((-33.14, 58.08); I2=58%)), birth length (0.15cm (-0.26, 0.56); I2=68%; n=5), birth head circumference (-0.23cm (-0.88, 0.43); I2=84%), small for gestational age (RR: 0.91 (0.80,1.04); I2=31%), or preterm birth (RR: 0.93 (0.69,1.25); I2=57%). Overall, the quality of evidence was assessed as moderate and very low for maternal hemoglobin and three markers of intrauterine growth including birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference, respectively. In Aim 2, we found that the effect of LNS on birth weight, length, and head circumference varied by pre-pregnancy Hb categories. Pooled mean differences in the Z-scores for birth length (0.60 (0.03, 1.23)), birth weight (0.50, (0.11, 0.89)), and birth head circumference ((0.26, (0.02, 0.51)) were greatest for Arm 1-preconception vs. Arm 3-control women with Hb 9-9.9g/dL. Women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL also benefited from preconception LNS. However, compared to controls, the effects of preconception LNS on birth weight, birth length, and birth head circumference attenuated for women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL. Compared to Arm 3-control, LNS during pregnancy (Arm 2) improved birth length, birth weight, and birth head circumference for women with Hb 8-10.9g/dL. Preconception LNS (Arm1) vs. LNS during pregnancy (Arm 2) improved the three markers of intrauterine growth only for women with Hb 9-9.9g/dL. Women with nearly normal (11-11.9 g/dL) and normal Hb (≥12g/dL) did not appreciably benefit from LNS, offered before and or during pregnancy. For Aim 3, Hb at 12 or 32 weeks of gestation did not mediate the relationship between the LNS and intrauterine growth. Indirect effects of preconception LNS (Arm 1) vs. Arm 3, mediated by Hb at 12 weeks, were 0.02 (-0.02, 0.01), 0.01 (-0.01, 0.02), and 0.01 (-0.01, 0.02) for length, weight, and head circumference Z-scores, respectively. The corresponding direct effects, not mediated by Hb, were 0.18 (0.09, 0.33), 0.12 (0.03, 0.23), and 0.06 (-0.03, 0.20), respectively. Site-specific and gestational age-adjusted data analyses both at 12 and 32 weeks of gestation confirmed the findings of negligible mediation by Hb during pregnancy. All types of preconception nutrition supplements studied to date appear to reduce maternal anemia. However, it is uncertain whether there are beneficial effects of preconception nutrition supplements on markers of intrauterine growth. Low quality of evidence from the RCTs examining the markers of intrauterine growth warrants future well-designed RCTs to produce solid scientific data, particularly on the benefits of a more comprehensive package of preconception nutrition supplements that include both macro- and micronutrients. The findings from the WF trial suggest that the benefits of preconception LNS on fetal growth are mainly confined to women with pre-pregnancy Hb 9-9.9g/dL. Compared to controls, women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL also benefited from preconception LNS, albeit the magnitude of effect on three markers of intrauterine growth was modest for women with Hb 10-10.9g/dL. However, LNS, started during pregnancy, appeared to improve markers of intrauterine growth for women with a wider range of Hb 8-10.9g/dL. Women with Hb ≥ 11g/dL did not benefit from LNS started either pre-conception or during pregnancy. These findings suggest that prioritizing women with specific pre-pregnancy Hb categories for targeted nutrition interventions may be advisable. This would target limited resources most efficiently in LMICs. Lastly, negligible mediation by Hb during pregnancy suggests that alternative pathways that potentially mediate the relationship between LNS and intrauterine growth need to be investigated.

<p>Many of the known risk factors associated with low birth weight, such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, genetic makeup, and obstetric history, are not within a women's immediate control. However, there are many things that a woman can do to improve her chances of having a normal healthy child. Lifestyle behaviours, such as cigarette smoking, nutrition and the use of alcohol, play an important role in determining the growth of the fetus. The aim of this study was to establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, smoking and nutrition among childbearing women and health care workers on the farms in Stellenbosch and Vredendal.</p>

該前瞻性研究對香港中國裔孕婦的25羥基維生素D（25（OH）D）的水平及其影響因素進行調查，并對25（OH）D與甲狀旁腺激素（PTH）、孕期肌肉酸痛、不良妊娠結局、孕期及産後骨質流失，以及嬰兒的骨骼發育等關係進行探索，力求建立適用于香港的中國孕婦的25（OH）D正常值。 / 共有237名單胎妊娠婦女以及62名多胎妊娠的婦女在2010年8月至2011年11月間參加本研究中的隊列研究，分別在參加研究時（<20 孕周）、24-28孕周、31-36孕周以及産後6-11周進行抽血測量血清25（OH）D以及PTH水平，同時填寫一份包括對每月攝取含維生素D的食物以及營養補充劑頻度、接受日照情況及喜好、以及肌肉不適等情況的問卷，并在24-28孕周進行75克口服葡萄糖耐量試驗。參與隊列研究的單胎孕婦在20周前、31-36孕周以及産後隨訪時接受用定量超聲測量非優勢手的橈骨遠端以及中指近掌指骨的骨質超聲速率（SoS）。在産後複查時，對其嬰兒左側腓骨中部的骨質SoS進行測量。記錄婦女各次檢查時的體重、抽血月份紫外線輻射強度的歷史記錄、以及妊娠結局。另外募集一批孕婦參加病例對照研究，比較患早產（PTB）、子癇前期（PET）、妊娠糖尿病 （GDM）以及胎兒生長受限（FGR）併發癥的婦女與對照組 （體重指數以及抽血時紫外線強度配對）的血清25（OH）D水平。 / 孕婦在孕期的平均25（OH）D水平在44.7 ± 12.6 至48.9 ± 17.1 nmol/l範圍，25（OH）D水平與體重指數、維生素D營養補充劑、抽血時紫外線強度以及個人對陽光的喜好情況有關，而與胎兒數量、孕次、孕周以及終止妊娠無關。 / 單胎妊娠的孕婦三個孕期的血清25（OH）D與PTH水平均負相關，但在多胎妊娠中，二者無明顯相關性。PTH在孕期以及産後的變化相對不受25（OH）D影響。孕婦25（OH）D的水平與孕婦肌肉酸痛癥狀、産後恢復、孕期及產褥期骨質流失以及嬰兒骨質無關。患早期PTB（< 34孕周）、PET或FGR的孕婦的血清25（OH）D比對照組低，但GDM患者的25（OH）D水平與對照組無差別。血清25（OH）D低於34.3 nmol/l者的早期早產以及子癇前期的風險增高，低於50 nmol/l者發生胎兒生長受限的風險增高。服用維生素D補充劑情況可能影響25（OH）D與FGR的關係。 / 總而言之，血清25（OH）D水平不足以全面完全反映孕期維生素D的情況，對預測不良妊娠結局的作用有限。 / This prospective study explored the maternal serum level of 25(OH)D in Chinese pregnant women in Hong Kong and the factors affecting 25(OH)D level. It also explored the correlation between maternal 25(OH)D with PTH level, maternal musculoskeletal complaints, adverse pregnancy outcome, maternal bone turnover during pregnancy and postpartum, and the bone development of the offspring, aiming to explore and establish a normal range of 25(OH)D level in pregnancy for the Hong Kong Chinese women. / A total of 237 women with singleton pregnancy and 62 women with multiple pregnancies were recruited for the cohort study from August, 2010 to November, 2011. Maternal blood samplings for 25(OH)D and PTH measurements were performed at recruitment, 24-28 weeks, 31-36 weeks of gestation, and 6-11 weeks postpartum respectively. A questionnaire which included the monthly dietary and supplement intake of vitamin D, questions about sunlight exposure, and musculoskeletal complaints was administered on each visit. A 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on cohort cases at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Measurements of the speed of sound (SoS) at the distal one third of the maternal radius and the proximal phalanx of the third finger of the non-dominant side were performed with quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) measurement during the visits at the first and third trimesters, and postnatal period. The SoS at the left mid-shaft tibia of the offspring was determined during the postnatal visit. Maternal characteristics, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) intensity at blood sampling, and pregnancy outcome, were also recorded. Cases with pregnancy complications were recruited for case-control studies, and maternal 25(OH)D level was examined with respect to preterm birth (PTB), preeclampsia (PET), gestational diabetes (GDM), and fetal growth restriction (FGR, birthweight below the 10th percentile of the customized estimated birthweight). The controls were matched for booking body mass index (BMI) and UVR intensity at blood sampling. / The mean 25(OH)D level in ranged from 44.7 ± 12.6 to 48.9 ± 17.1 nmol/l in the three trimesters, and was related to BMI, vitamin D supplementation, UVR intensity at blood sampling, and the acceptance of sunlight exposure, but not the number of fetus, parity, gestational age, or the completion of pregnancy. / Inverse correlation between PTH and 25(OH)D were observed in singleton, but not in multiple, pregnancy. The change in maternal PTH level is found to be relatively independent from that of 25(OH)D. There was no correlation between maternal 25(OH)D level with musculoskeletal complaints, postnatal recovery, bone turnover during and after pregnancy, or the bone density of the offspring. Maternal 25(OH)D level was lower in women with early PTB ( < 34 weeks), PET, and FGR, but not for GDM. A maternal 25(OH)D level of lower than 34.3nmol/l and 50 nmol/l was associated with increased risk of early PTB, PET, and FGR respectively. But the correlation between maternal 25(OH)D level with FGR might be affected by supplementation. / In conclusion, serum level of 25(OH)D is insufficient in reflecting maternal vitamin D status and metabolism in pregnancy, and is of limited use in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Hu, Zhiyang. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 201-223). / Abstracts and appendixes also in Chinese. / Thesis dedication --- p.i / Acknowledgments --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.v / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.viii / List of Abbreviation --- p.x / Table of contents --- p.xiii / List of Figures --- p.xxii / List of Tables --- p.xxiv / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Literature Review --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- The synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- The synthesis of vitamin D --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- The metabolism of vitamin D --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Vitamin D binding protein --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Factors related to 25(OH)D level --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2 --- Function of vitamin D --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Mechanism of vitamin D function --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Classic function --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Non-classic function --- p.16 / Chapter 1.2.3.1 --- Immune system --- p.17 / Chapter 1.2.3.2 --- Cardiovascular system --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.3.3 --- Cell proliferation and differentiation --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.3.4 --- Neurological system --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.3.5 --- Reproductive system --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.3.6 --- Fetal development --- p.21 / Chapter 1.3 --- The definition of vitamin D deficiency --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4 --- Vitamin D status and pregnancy --- p.24 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Alteration in vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy --- p.24 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Factors affecting maternal serum level of 25(OH)D --- p.25 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Vitamin D and bone resorption during pregnancy and lactation --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4.3.1 --- Alteration of calcium metabolism, bone absorption and the role of vitamin D --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4.3.2 --- Measurement of bone density in pregnant women and babies --- p.33 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Current studies on maternal vitamin D status and pregnancy outcome --- p.35 / Chapter 1.4.4.1 --- Birthweight --- p.35 / Chapter 1.4.4.2 --- Infection --- p.37 / Chapter 1.4.4.3 --- Preterm delivery --- p.39 / Chapter 1.4.4.4 --- Diabetes (DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) --- p.39 / Chapter 1.4.4.5 --- Hypertension and preeclampsia --- p.41 / Chapter 1.4.4.6 --- Multiple pregnancy, muscular symptoms --- p.42 / Chapter 1.4.4.7 --- Vitamin D supplementation and pregnancy outcome --- p.44 / Chapter 1.5 --- Defining vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy --- p.45 / Chapter 1.6 --- Objective of the study --- p.46 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Study design and methods --- p.48 / Chapter 2.1 --- Case recruitment and study design --- p.48 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Longitudinal singleton study --- p.49 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Cross-sectional study --- p.50 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Preterm birth (PTB) --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- Preeclampsia (PET) --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.2.3 --- Gestational diabetes (GDM) --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Multiple pregnancy study --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2 --- Measurements --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Hormonal analysis of serum levels of 25(OH)D and PTH --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Calculation of monthly intake of vitamin D from diet --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- SoS measurements --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Ultraviolet radiation strength assessment --- p.59 / Chapter 2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.60 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Longitudinal Study on the Level of and Factors Affecting Vitamin D in Singleton Pregnancy --- p.62 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.62 / Chapter 3.2 --- Material and method --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3 --- Statistics --- p.64 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.65 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Demographic data of the subjects --- p.65 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Maternal levels of 25(OH)D and PTH, and the factors affecting their levels --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Distribution of 25(OH)D level and PTH level in the four visits --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Dietary intake of vitamin D and supplementation --- p.69 / Chapter 3.4.2.3 --- Seasonality and sunlight exposure --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.2.4 --- Parity --- p.76 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Changes of maternal levels of 25(OH)D and PTH in pregnancy --- p.78 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Independent factors related to maternal 25(OH)D level in pregnancy --- p.79 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Maternal and fetal 25(OH)D level at delivery --- p.80 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Muscular symptoms and other complaints in pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, and their relationships with maternal 25(OH)D level --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.7 --- Postnatal recovery and factors related to postnatal level of 25(OH)D and PTH --- p.86 / Chapter 3.4.7.1 --- Postnatal symptoms and relationship with 25(OH)D and PTH --- p.86 / Chapter 3.4.7.2 --- The postnatal level of 25(OH)D and PTH in women with different feeding mode --- p.88 / Chapter 3.4.7.3 --- Independent factors related to postnatal 25(OH)D and PTH level --- p.89 / Chapter 3.4.7.4 --- Factors related to the change of 25(OH)D and PTH after delivery --- p.90 / Chapter 3.4.8 --- Correlation between 25(OH)D with PTH in pregnancy and postnatal period --- p.91 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.92 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- 25(OH)D level in Chinese pregnant women --- p.92 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Factors related to maternal 25(OH)D level --- p.93 / Chapter 3.5.2.1 --- Dietary and supplementation --- p.93 / Chapter 3.5.2.2 --- Seasonality and outdoor activity --- p.96 / Chapter 3.5.2.3 --- Gestational age --- p.98 / Chapter 3.5.2.4 --- Age and parity --- p.98 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Relationship of 25(OH)D level in the cord blood with maternal 25(OH)D level --- p.99 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- 25(OH)D level and muscular complains in pregnancy --- p.100 / Chapter 3.5.5. --- Postnatal recovery and 25(OH)D level --- p.101 / Chapter 3.5.6 --- PTH level in pregnancy and postnatal period --- p.101 / Chapter 3.6 --- Conclusion --- p.102 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Longitudinal Study on the Relationship between Maternal 25(OH)D level with Changes of Maternal Bone Density in Pregnancy and Lactation, and Factors Affecting Bone Density of newborn Infants --- p.105 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.105 / Chapter 4.2 --- Material and method --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3 --- Statistics --- p.108 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.108 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Demographic data --- p.108 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Maternal bone density and the changes in pregnancy and postnatal recovery --- p.109 / Chapter 4.4.2.1 --- Maternal bone density in the first trimester and related factors --- p.109 / Chapter 4.4.2.2 --- Maternal bone density in the three visits --- p.109 / Chapter 4.4.2.3 --- The change in maternal bone density in the three visits --- p.110 / Chapter 4.4.2.4 --- Diversity in the change of bone density in pregnant women --- p.112 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Factors related to the changes in bone density --- p.114 / Chapter 4.4.3.1 --- Changes between the first and the third trimesters --- p.114 / Chapter 4.4.3.2 --- Change between the third trimester and postnatal visits --- p.116 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- The bone density in infants and related factors --- p.120 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.122 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Maternal bone density changes in pregnancy and postnatal period --- p.122 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Factors related to the maternal bone density changes in pregnancy and postnatal period --- p.124 / Chapter 4.5.2.1 --- Initial bone density, parity, and BMI --- p.125 / Chapter 4.5.2.2 --- 25(OH)D and PTH level --- p.126 / Chapter 4.5.2.3 --- Supplement --- p.127 / Chapter 4.5.2.4 --- Lactation --- p.128 / Chapter 4.5.2.5 --- Height --- p.129 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Factors related to bone density of the infant. --- p.130 / Chapter 4.5.3.1 --- Maternal 25(OH)D level --- p.130 / Chapter 4.5.3.2 --- Gestational age and birthweight --- p.131 / Chapter 4.5.3.3 --- Maternal bone density change --- p.131 / Chapter 4.5.3.4 --- The gender of the offspring and feeding method --- p.132 / Chapter 4.6 --- Conclusion --- p.133 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Maternal 25(OH)D Level in Multiple Pregnancy --- p.134 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.134 / Chapter 5.2 --- Material and method --- p.135 / Chapter 5.3 --- Statistics --- p.136 / Chapter 5.4 --- Results --- p.137 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Demographic data of the subjects --- p.137 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- The level of 25(OH)D in multiple pregnancy and singleton pregnancy --- p.137 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Supplementation in multiple pregnancy --- p.140 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- The change of maternal 25(OH)D and PTH levels in the three trimesters --- p.141 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- 25(OH)D level in cord blood and its correlation with 25(OH)D level of the sibling --- p.143 / Chapter 5.4.6 --- Correlation between 25(OH) with PTH in pregnancy --- p.143 / Chapter 5.5 --- Discussion --- p.144 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- 25(OH)D level in multiple pregnancy and singleton pregnancy --- p.144 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Supplementation in multiple pregnancy --- p.146 / Chapter 5.5.3 --- Changes of maternal levels of 25(OH)D and PTH in the three trimesters in multiple pregnancy --- p.146 / Chapter 5.5.4 --- The PTH/25(OH) correlation --- p.147 / Chapter 5.6 --- Conclusion --- p.148 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Maternal level of 25(OH)D in complicated pregnancy --- p.150 / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.150 / Chapter 6.2 --- Method --- p.153 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Preterm birth --- p.155 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Preeclampsia --- p.155 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Gestational diabetes --- p.156 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Fetal growth restriction --- p.157 / Chapter 6.2.5 --- The association between 25(OH)D level with pregnancy complication --- p.158 / Chapter 6.3 --- Statistics --- p.159 / Chapter 6.4 --- Results --- p.160 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Setting of the cutoff values of hypovitaminosis D --- p.160 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Preterm birth --- p.160 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Preeclampsia --- p.164 / Chapter 6.4.4 --- Gestational diabetes --- p.168 / Chapter 6.4.4.1 --- Case-control study --- p.168 / Chapter 6.4.4.2 --- Factors affecting OGTT results --- p.170 / Chapter 6.4.5 --- Fetal growth restriction --- p.173 / Chapter 6.5 --- Discussion --- p.179 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- Adjustment for confounders for case-control study --- p.179 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- PTB and 25(OH)D level --- p.181 / Chapter 6.5.3 --- PET and 25(OH)D level --- p.182 / Chapter 6.5.4 --- GDM and 25(OH)D level --- p.186 / Chapter 6.5.5 --- FGR and 25(OH)D level --- p.189 / Chapter 6.5.6 --- Defining vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy --- p.192 / Chapter 6.6 --- Conclusion --- p.195 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Summary --- p.196 / References --- p.201 / Chapter Appendix 1 --- Antenatal questionnaire (English/Chinese) --- p.224 / Chapter Appendix 2 --- Postnatal questionnaire (English/Chinese) --- p.238

<p>Many of the known risk factors associated with low birth weight, such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, genetic makeup, and obstetric history, are not within a women's immediate control. However, there are many things that a woman can do to improve her chances of having a normal healthy child. Lifestyle behaviours, such as cigarette smoking, nutrition and the use of alcohol, play an important role in determining the growth of the fetus. The aim of this study was to establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, smoking and nutrition among childbearing women and health care workers on the farms in Stellenbosch and Vredendal.</p>

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The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting facility-based delivery with the purpose of developing a framework for the promotion of facility-based delivery among women living in rural Ethiopia. Explanatory mixed methods design, comprising of four phases-the descriptive (quantitative), explorative (qualitative), meta-inference and development phases was employed. The quantitative phase was conducted first using a structured questionnaire to identify the variables influencing facility-based delivery care seeking behaviour. A sample of 389 responses were used for data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling. The quantitative phase conducted next to explain the determinants that contributed to influencing facility-based delivery care seeking behaviour. Sixteen participants who were involved the first phase were involved in the follow-up second phase. As illustrated by the results of the study, the majority of women in the study areas continued to deliver at home, putting themselves at risk of dying from pregnancy related causes. As highlighted by the key findings from the quantitative and qualitative data of this study, the most influential factors in predicting and explaining delivery care seeking behaviour are response efficacy, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control which are shaped by mothers’ confidence in the outcome, quality of care, interpersonal relations with family members, willingness to conform, access to services, and their decision making power. The way these findings emphasized the factors attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control were consistent with the Theory of Planned Behaviour, while the significance of response efficacy was in line with Protection Motivation Theory. The study developed a framework to help promote facility-based delivery among mothers living in rural Ethiopia. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

In 2011, African Americans in Tarrant County, Texas experienced an infant mortality rate of 14.3 per 1,000 live births. The leading cause of infant mortality in Tarrant County is prematurity and maternal nutritional status. Both maternal under-nutrition and over-nutrition are known risk factors for premature birth. Improving maternal nutrition, by reducing rates of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and by increasing consumption of essential prenatal vitamins and nutrients, is a road to decreasing preterm birth in African Americans. This qualitative study, based on both anthropology and public health theory, of the nutrition behavior of a group of African American expectant mothers and the experience of their health care providers and co-facilitators had a goal to provide a foundation for future development of nutrition behavior research and education for this specific population. The main finding of this study was the substantial gap of lived experience and education between the patients and their providers and co-facilitators, which hinders delivery of care and the patients’ acquiescence to nutrition recommendations. The discrepancies between the authoritative knowledge of the providers and the bodily knowledge of expectant mothers were responsible for the ineffectiveness of nutrition recommendations.