Objectives To assess physical fitness in pregnancy and to evaluate its effect on perceived health, back pain, blood pressure and duration of gestation. Also, to evaluate the effect of serum relaxin levels on blood pressure and duration of gestation. Material and methods A prospective cohort of 520 pregnant women were examined in early pregnancy and five months postpartum with regard to socio-demographic characteristics and estimated peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2 peak, est.). Serum concentrations of relaxin were carried out in early pregnancy. Physical exercise, possible back pain and blood pressure were measured repeatedly throughout pregnancy. Results Absolute V̇O2 peak, est. in early pregnancy was positively correlated to perceived health, which was lower during than after pregnancy. The average absolute V̇O2 peak, est. in early pregnancy of 2.4 l/minute was 0.02 l/minute less than the V̇O2 peak, est. postpartum, while regular physical exercise decreased throughout pregnancy. Absolute V̇O2 peak, est. in early pregnancy was not associated to the incidence of any low back pain location in pregnancy or postpartum, but inversely to intensity of back pain and diastolic blood pressure and positively with duration of gestation. Elevated serum relaxin levels were associated with decreased diastolic blood pressure and higher duration of gestation among women with miscarriage. Conclusions Perceived health, diastolic blood pressure and duration of gestation were positively affected by physical fitness while no effect was shown on the incidence of back pain. The effect of physical fitness on duration of gestation and diastolic blood pressure might have clinical implications as well as the increased serum relaxin levels on miscarriages.

The primary aim of this investigation is to focus on the delivering of pre-abortion counselling from a social work perspective. The importance of delivery of pre abortion counselling with regard to the pregnant woman, who is considering the termination of a pregnancy, is accentuated on the one hand. On the other hand, the focus is on making social workers aware of becoming involved in abortion-related services. The thesis consists of five Sections: SECTION A This section indicates the actuality of the research, namely a study of pre-abortion counselling according to which four research questions are formulated. The overarching research aim and four research objectives are discussed in the section. This research takes on the intervention research model within the combined qualitative and quantitative research approach. The survey procedure was utilized in two different manners to wit the single-system design and mailed questionnaires. The data which was captured during thorough interviews was processed computer-wise as well as by hand. SECTION B This section was presented in the form of four articles in which the research finding were reported. AU four articles form part of the all-embracing research aims and objectives and of the entire research project. However, every article is a sub-project of the entire research project because it also acts independently - each with a distinctive problem statement, research aim and objectives, research methods and distinctive content. Section B consists of the following articles: Article 1 discusses abortion as a moral dilemma in South Africa and points out that there are still unanswered questions with regard to this acute subject that is as old as mankind. In Article 2 the living space of the pregnant woman who requests the termination of a pregnancy is discussed with the accent on the necessity for the understanding of such a woman who finds herself in a crisis situation, in order to deliver an effective social work service. The importance of pre-abortion counselling with crisis intervention as the proper model is discussed in Article 3. And as indicated that delivering pre-abortion counselling to the pregnant woman who requests the termination of a pregnancy is essential for the decision-making process but also with regard to her future. Article 4 discusses the opinion of social workers concerning the delivery of pre-abortion counselling. 'The social worker as a pre-abortion counsellor, and who forms part of the multi-professional team receives priority attention here. SECTION C In Section C, the conclusions and recommendations with regard to this research is explained. The limitations of this study are indicated, and recommendations are made with a view to its utilisation in theory and in practice as well as for training and research SECTION D AU addendum that are referred to in the thesis are contained in this section. SECTION E Although each article has its own source list, a combined source list of the entire research project is presented in this section. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The primary aim of this investigation is to focus on the delivering of pre-abortion counselling from a social work perspective. The importance of delivery of pre abortion counselling with regard to the pregnant woman, who is considering the termination of a pregnancy, is accentuated on the one hand. On the other hand, the focus is on making social workers aware of becoming involved in abortion-related services. The thesis consists of five Sections: SECTION A This section indicates the actuality of the research, namely a study of pre-abortion counselling according to which four research questions are formulated. The overarching research aim and four research objectives are discussed in the section. This research takes on the intervention research model within the combined qualitative and quantitative research approach. The survey procedure was utilized in two different manners to wit the single-system design and mailed questionnaires. The data which was captured during thorough interviews was processed computer-wise as well as by hand. SECTION B This section was presented in the form of four articles in which the research finding were reported. AU four articles form part of the all-embracing research aims and objectives and of the entire research project. However, every article is a sub-project of the entire research project because it also acts independently - each with a distinctive problem statement, research aim and objectives, research methods and distinctive content. Section B consists of the following articles: Article 1 discusses abortion as a moral dilemma in South Africa and points out that there are still unanswered questions with regard to this acute subject that is as old as mankind. In Article 2 the living space of the pregnant woman who requests the termination of a pregnancy is discussed with the accent on the necessity for the understanding of such a woman who finds herself in a crisis situation, in order to deliver an effective social work service. The importance of pre-abortion counselling with crisis intervention as the proper model is discussed in Article 3. And as indicated that delivering pre-abortion counselling to the pregnant woman who requests the termination of a pregnancy is essential for the decision-making process but also with regard to her future. Article 4 discusses the opinion of social workers concerning the delivery of pre-abortion counselling. 'The social worker as a pre-abortion counsellor, and who forms part of the multi-professional team receives priority attention here. SECTION C In Section C, the conclusions and recommendations with regard to this research is explained. The limitations of this study are indicated, and recommendations are made with a view to its utilisation in theory and in practice as well as for training and research SECTION D AU addendum that are referred to in the thesis are contained in this section. SECTION E Although each article has its own source list, a combined source list of the entire research project is presented in this section. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Thesis (M.Sc.) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv.

L'altération de la fonction mitochondriale, β-cellules pancréatiques, et l'homéostasie du glucose de la descendance de rat de l'exerciceContexte. Il est connu que l'environnement gestationnel est reconnue comme un facteur essentiel pour le développement du fœtus et étroitement liée à l'état de santé dans la vie plus tard. Environnement inadéquat pour le fœtus tels que le stress oxydatif intra-utérine est très nocif pour le développement du fœtus. Par conséquent, un effort de prévention de surmonter ce problème est nécessaire en modifiant l'environnement autour de la gestation par l'exercice durant cette période.Objectifs. Le but de cette étude était de connaître le rôle des mitochondries dans la prévention du stress oxydatif pendant la grossesse, en augmentant système antioxydant et la fonction du pancréas et dans l'amélioration de l'homéostasie du glucose de l'enfant de la mère qui a été induite par l'exercice régulier d'intensité modérée.Méthodes. Cette étude a été réalisée au Laboratoire de bioénergétique appliquée et fondamentale Inserm U1055, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble-France. Les sujets étaient rat Wistar femelle qui ont été divisés en 2 groupes, le groupe sédentaire et l'exercice. L'entraînement physique a été effectué 4 semaines avant et jusqu'à ce que le 18e jour de la gestation. Thiol et GPx ont été mesurées en utilisant un dosage biochimique. Consommation d'O2 a été mesurée avec oxygraphie. L'activité du complexe respiratoire, cytochrome et ROS ont été mesurées par spectrophotométrie. Citrate synthase, la protéine kinase B (PKB), quinone et tocophérol ont été mesurées en utilisant un dosage biochimique. La graisse viscérale et du pancréas total ont été pesés, et la taille de l'île de Langerhans a été analysé par la préparation de l'histologie. Les résultats ont été analysés en utilisant le test t.Résultats. Il a été constaté que l'état redox du nouveau-né est égal. La diminution de thiol suivie par une augmentation de l'activité antioxydante GPx (p <0,001). L'efficacité de la consommation et de l'activité du complexe respiratoire, suivie par une augmentation de cytochrome, la quinone et du tocopherol oxygène provoque la diminution de la production de ROS de la progéniture de rat de levées mère (p <0,001). La sécrétion d'insuline a augmenté de 74% et l'activité PKB était plus élevée (p <0,05). Tolérance au glucose et de l'insuline (âgés de 3 mois) étaient mieux (p <0,05), la taille de l'île de Langerhans et le poids du pancréas étaient plus petits (p = 0,021) chez la progéniture de rat de l'exercice mère. À l'âge de 3 mois, le taux de glucose dans le sang était inférieur de 8% (p = 0,046), l'insuline à jeun était plus élevé de 72% (p = 0,009) et le poids corporel était inférieur (p = 0,041) de la progéniture de rat de l'exercice mère par rapport à ceux de la mère sédentaire, mais le total de graisse viscérale était pas différente (p> 0,05).Conclusion. L'exercice régulier d'intensité modérée pour la mère de 4 semaines avant et jusqu'à ce que le 18e jour de la gestation a été très efficace pour augmenter le système antioxydant et réduire le stress oxydatif dans la grossesse qui est en mesure de réduire le risque d'obésité pour la progéniture par l'amélioration de l'homéostasie du glucose à travers l'augmentation des mitochondries et la fonction pancréatique de la progéniture de rat. L'altération des mitochondries et la fonction du pancréas que l'impact de l'exercice régulier de la mère est permanente pendant l'observation puisque le bébé est né, âgé de 21 jours et 3 mois.Mots-clés: exercice, programmation fœtale, l'homéostasie du glucose, insuline, les mitochondries, l'obésité, le stress oxydatif, β-cellules pancréatiques, les espèces réactives de l'oxygène. / Influence de l'environnement (exercice et nutrition) durant la gestation sur l’état de stress oxydant et le métabolisme du glucose de la descendance.Les maladies métaboliques sont en pleine expansion dans nos sociétés actuelles et constituent un enjeu de santé publique majeur. Les antécédents familiaux, l'environnement et les habitudes de vie de l'individu vont jouer un rôle dans la susceptibilité à certains de ces désordres métaboliques. Sur la base de données épidémiologiques, un lien a été établi entre environnement durant les premières phases de la vie et survenue de pathologies à l'âge adulte conduisant au concept des "Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases" (DOHaD). Le premier objectif de ce travail était d'étudier, à partir d'un modèle murin, les conséquences de l'exercice physique quotidien de la mère pendant la gestation sur la composition corporelle, le statut oxydant, la fonction pancréatique et mitochondriale du foie et du muscle et la gestion des substrats énergétiques de la descendance. Un deuxième objectif était de valider un modèle de diabète gestationnel à partir d’un régime riche en fructose et d’étudier l’effet d’une supplémentation en fer durant ce diabète gestationnel sur le statut oxydant et la tolérance au glucose des mères et de la descendance. Nos résultats montrent une réduction significative de la production mitochondriale d’H2O2, un indicateur de la production d’espèces réactives de l’oxygène, dans le foie et dans le muscle des petits de mères entrainées. Ces changements sont reliés à des altérations de la consommation d’oxygène mitochondriale, de la composition des membranes mitochondriales et de l’activité des enzymes antioxydantes. De plus, l'entraînement maternel avant et pendant la gestation est associé à des modifications de la structure et de la fonction du pancréas de la descendance et semble modifier sa gestion des substrats énergétiques.Nous avons également confirmé qu’une diète riche en fructose durant la gestation peut être utilisée comme un modèle induisant un diabète gestationnel. Nous avons ainsi démontré chez les petits nés de mères nourries avec un régime riche en fructose et en fer, que les activités des enzymes antioxydantes comme la glutathion peroxidase (GPx), la glutathion-S-transferase dans le foie et la GPx dans le cerveau étaient altérées, les résultats étant différents selon le sexe des petits. Les différents résultats obtenus chez la descendance montrent que dans le cas d’un diabète gestationnel, les fœtus sont plus sensibles que leurs mères aux effets d’un régime riche en fer. Ce travail de thèse vient compléter les travaux menés dans le cadre des DOHaD et renforce l'idée que l'environnement lors des premières phases de la vie va avoir des conséquences sur la santé de l'individu.Mots-clés : exercice, gestation, descendance, mitochondries, stress oxydant, diabète gestationnel, fer, régime riche en fructose.

Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo é verificar se a exposição ao tabagismo materno na vida intrauterina está relacionada a um padrão específico de expressões faciais hedônicas para o gosto doce em recém-nascidos, no início da vida. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, controlado e observacional. Foram avaliados recém-nascidos saudáveis, com até 24 horas de vida. Para compor a amostra foram incluídos recém-nascidos de nascimento único, idade gestacional acima de 37 semanas, nascidos de parto normal, em aleitamento materno exclusivo e cujos recém-nascidos já haviam sido colocados ao seio materno previamente ao teste de reação facial hedônica resultante do gosto doce. A amostra é de conveniência e foi selecionada de forma consecutiva, de acordo com a exposição ou não ao tabaco na vida intrauterina, até atingir o número de recém-nascidos necessários para o estudo. Neste estudo, dividimos os recém-nascidos estudados em dois grupos: a)Recém-nascidos expostos ao tabagismo materno na vida uterina (n=50); b)Recém-nascidos não expostos ao tabagismo materno na vida uterina (n=150). Para comparar as expressões faciais hedônicas à sacarose em relação à exposição ou não ao tabagismo materno durante a gestação foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney. Para comparar os valores extremos das expressões faciais hedônicas a sacarose entre os grupos foi aplicado o teste de Moses. Para controle de fatores confundidores como, peso ao nascimento, comprimento ao nascimento, duração da gestação, escolaridade, razão de crescimento fetal e tempo da última mamada até a hora do teste foi utilizada a Análise de Covariância (ANCOVA). da última mamada até a hora do teste foi utilizada a Análise de Covariância (ANCOVA). Resultados: A frequência total de reações faciais hedônicas a estímulo oral doce em recém-nascidos expostos e não expostos ao tabagismo materno durante a gestação não foi diferente entre os grupos (p=0,051), no entanto, verificando os valores extremos, observou-se que o grupo exposto ao tabagismo na gestação apresenta menos valores extremos do que o grupo não exposto, provavelmente devido ao “congelamento” da reação hedônica no grupo exposto (p<0,001). Conclusão: O tabagismo materno durante a gestação pode estar relacionado a um padrão especifico de expressões faciais hedônicas para o sabor doce no inicio da vida. Não existe diferença estatística entre maior frequência de reações faciais hedônicas a substâncias doces em recém-nascidos expostos ao tabagismo na vida intrauterina, entretanto, observamos que recém-nascidos expostos ao tabagismo na vida intrauterina parecem ter as expressões faciais congeladas/sensibilizadas em relação ao consumo de uma substância doce, uma vez que recém-nascidos não expostos atingem níveis maiores de prazer em relação à ingestão de substância doce. Pode-se propor que o tabagismo materno leva a uma sensibilidade ao prazer provocada pelo sabor doce e, possivelmente, os indivíduos com esta sensibilidade poderiam aumentar o consumo alimentar por doce para tentar chegar a um maior grau de prazer. / Objective: The objective of this study is to verify that exposure to maternal smoking during intrauterine life is related to a specific pattern of hedonic facial expressions to the sweet taste in newborns, in early life. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study controlled and observational. Healthy newborns were evaluated up to 24 hours of life. For the sample were included newborns single birth, gestational age of 37 weeks, born vaginally, were exclusively breastfed and whose newborn had already been placed in the womb prior to the resulting hedonic facial reaction test sweet taste. The sample is for convenience and is selected consecutively, according to exposure or not tobacco during intrauterine life, until the number of infants needed for the study. In this study, we divided the newborns studied in two groups: a) Newborns exposed to maternal smoking on uterine life (n=50); b) Infants not exposed to maternal smoking on uterine life (n=150). To compare the facial expressions hedonic the sucrose with respect to exposure or not to maternal smoking during pregnancy was performed using the Mann-Whitney test. To compare the extreme values of facial expressions hedonic sucrose was applied between groups Moses test. To control confounding factors such as birth weight, length at birth, length of gestation, education, fetal growth rate and time of the last feeding until the time of testing we used the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The overall frequency of hedonic facial reactions sweet oral stimulation in neonates exposed and not exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy did not differ between the groups (p=0.051), however, checking the extreme values, it was observed the group exposed to smoking during pregnancy has fewer outliers than the unexposed group, probably due to "freeze" the hedonic reaction in the exposed group (p <0.001). Conclusion: Maternal smoking during pregnancy may be related to a specific pattern of hedonic facial expressions to the sweet taste at the beginning of life. There is no statistical difference between higher frequency of hedonic facial reactions to sweet substances in newborns exposed to smoking in intrauterine life, however, we found that newborns exposed to smoking in intrauterine life seem to have facial expressions frozen/sensitized in relation to consumption a sweet substance, since non-exposed neonates soon reach higher levels compared to the sweet substance intake. One can propose that maternal smoking leads to a sensitivity to pleasure caused by sweet taste and possibly individuals with this sensitivity could increase food consumption by sweet to try to reach a greater degree of pleasure.

O estudo avaliou a inclusão de Lisina, o primeiro aminoácido limitante na dieta dos suínos, no terço final da gestação de primíparas suínas, e os efeitos em relação ao desempenho das fêmeas e de suas leitegadas ao nascer e o impacto no período lactacional subsequente. Foram selecionadas 298 leitoas, aos 85 dias de gestação, distribuídas uniformemente em dois grupos de acordo com idade de cobertura, peso, escore corporal visual (ECV) e espessura de toucinho (ET), sendo os grupos: Controle - 3,3 kg/ração/fêmea/dia, com 0,84% de lisina, correspondendo a um consumo diário de 28 g/lisina/fêmea e Lisina – 3,3 kg/ração/fêmea/dia, com 0,84% de lisina, mais o acréscimo de 7 g de lisina (correspondendo a um consumo diário de 35 g/lisina/fêmea). O fornecimento de lisina foi feito de forma “on top” dos 85 dias de gestação até o momento de transferência para a maternidade (110 dias de gestação). Foram efetuadas as medidas de peso e ET no momento de transferência para a maternidade. No parto, os leitões nascidos vivos (NV) e natimortos (NAT) foram quantificados e pesados individualmente em até 12 horas após o nascimento, e os fetos mumificados (MUM) foram contabilizados e incluídos no número de leitões nascidos totais (NT). Na lactação foi avaliado o desempenho de 60 fêmeas e seus lactentes. Para isto, logo após o parto foram selecionadas matrizes com base no peso aos 85 d de gestação e tamanho de leitegada ao nascer (NV + NAT). O consumo voluntário de ração do período lactacional foi mensurado por acompanhamento diário da quantidade individual ingerida. Não houve efeito (p>0,10) da suplementação com lisina durante a gestação no ganho de peso e de ET das fêmeas, no tamanho da leitegada, no percentual de mumificados e no peso ao nascimento. Fêmeas do grupo Lisina apresentaram menor percentual de natimortos (p=0,077). O coeficiente de variação do peso ao nascimento dentro da leitegada (p=0,094) e o percentual de leitões com peso inferior a 1100 gramas (p=0,082) foi menor nas fêmeas do grupo Lisina do que naquelas do grupo Controle. Do subgrupo de 60 fêmeas selecionadas para serem acompanhadas durante o período de lactação, não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos (p>0,10) na perda de peso e perda de ET durante a lactação, consumo voluntário de ração, intervalo desmame-estro e número de leitões desmamados. O aumento de 28 g/dia para 35 g/dia de lisina total consumidas no terço final da gestação de leitoas não exerceu influência sobre o desempenho das fêmeas ao parto e na lactação subsequente. Entretanto, foram encontradas tendências de diminuição no percentual de leitões natimortos, leitões com peso inferior a 1100 g e menor coeficiente de variação no peso das leitegadas de fêmeas que receberam maior quantidade de lisina. / In the present study we evaluated the addition of lysine, the first limiting amino acid in the swine diet, in late gestation of pregnant gilts, and the effects on the performance of the sows and their piglets at birth and subsequent impact on the lactational period. We selected 298 nulliparous pregnant sows on the 85th day of gestation, that were distributed into two groups according to breeding age, weight, body condition score and backfat thickness (BT): Control - 3.3 kg / feed / sow / day, with 0.84% lysine, corresponding to a daily consumption of 28 g / lysine / sow and Lysine - an increase of 7 g lysine (corresponding to a daily consumption of 35 g / lysine / sow). The lysine was supplied from the 85th day of gestation until the transfer to maternity (110 days of gestation). Weight and BT was measured at the time of transfer and farrowing, the piglets born alive (BA) and stillbirths (SB) were counted and weighed individually within 12 hours after birth, and mummified fetuses (MUM) were counted and included in the total number of piglets born (PB). Lactation performance was evaluated in 60 females and their piglets. For this, sows were selected on the basis of weight at 85 d of gestation with litter size (BA + SB) similar for both groups immediately after farrowing. The voluntary food intake of the lactational period was measured by monitoring of the individual amount ingested on a daily basis. We found no effects (p> 0.10) on weight gain and backfat of the sows, litter size, percentage of mummified and piglet's birth weight. The lysine female group had lower percentage of stillbirths (p = 0.077). The coefficient of variation in within litter birth weight (p = 0.094) and percentage of piglets weighing less than 1100 grams (p = 0.082) had lower in the Lysine group than the Control group. The analysis performed in the subgroup of 60 sows observed during the lactation period, indicated that there is no difference between the groups (p> 0.10) in weight and backfat loss during lactation, voluntary food intake, weaning-oestrus and number of piglets weaned. The increase of 28 g / day to 35 g / day of total lysine consumed in the late gestation of gilts had no influence on the performance of sows at birth and on subsequent lactation. However, there was a trend of decrease in the percentage of stillborn piglets, piglets weighing less than 1100 g and lowest coefficient of variation in weight of the litters of sows that received a greater amount of lysine.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar variações da Espessura da Unidade Útero Placentária (EUUP) através do exame ultra-sonográfico transretal da placenta e caracterizar a conformação vulvar durante a gestação em éguas da raça Crioula. Foram utilizadas 63 éguas Crioulas sadias prenhes, com idades que variaram de 4 a 22 anos e que nunca foram submetidas à vulvoplastias. As éguas foram examinadas mensalmente a partir do quarto mês de gestação, para avaliação do escore corporal, análise da conformação vulvar e para medida da Espessura da Unidade Útero Placentária (EUUP). A conformação vulvar foi avaliada pela caracterização do comprimento vulvar efetivo e total (CE e CT), ângulo de inclinação (A) da vulva e tônus muscular da região perineal. O produto CE x A nos forneceu o Índice Caslick (IC). A condição corporal média das reprodutoras foi 3,5 (±0,4); o ângulo de inclinação (A) médio foi de 10,4º (±7,4); o comprimento vulvar efetivo (CE) médio foi de 3,8 cm (±0,9) e o comprimento vulvar total (CT) médio foi de 8,2 cm (±1,2); o tônus muscular perineal médio foi de 2,3; o Índice Caslick (IC) médio na população estudada foi de 40,6 (±33,5). A EUUP foi influenciada pela idade gestacional (P<0,01). O valor da EUUP mensurado ao longo da gestação não se diferenciou entre o 4º e o 7º mês de gestação. A partir do 7º mês o valor médio da EUUP cresce significativamente até o 8º mês, mantendo-se estável até o 9º mês para novamente crescer até o final da gestação. Além disso, a EUUP não sofreu interação da idade da égua (P=0,22) e da condição corporal (P=0,45), nem da angulação vulvar (P=0,45), do comprimento efetivo (P=0,98) e do Índice Caslick (P=0,68). Concluímos que a idade gestacional é o único fator que influencia a EUUP e que a mensuração da EUUP não deve ser o único parâmetro para avaliar a insuficiência placentária e o risco de aborto, além de que a conformação vulvar é uma característica racial. / The aim of this study was to determine variations on the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP/EUUP) on transrectal ultrasonographic evaluation and to characterize vulvar conformation during mid and late gestation in Criollo mares. Sixty-three healthy pregnant Criollo mares, between four and 22 years old, without any kind of vulvar/perineal surgery were used on this study. Those mares were routinely examined on monthly basis since 4th month of pregnancy/gestation. Body condition (CC), vulvar conformation and CTUP/EUUP measurements were made. Vulvar conformation was evaluated by its total length and effective length (CT and CE), declination angle (A) and perineal muscle tonus. A Caslick Index (IC) was obtained upon A x CE measurements factor. The mean (±SD) CC was 3.5 (±0.4), the mean (±SD) declination angle of the vulva was 10.4º (±7.4), the mean CE (±SD) was 3.8 cm (±0.9) and the mean CT (±SD) was 8.2 cm (±1.2), the mean perineal muscle tonus was 2.3, the mean IC (±SD) was 40.6 (±33.5). There was influence on CTUP/EUUP by gestational age (P<0.01). The CTUP/EUUP value measured along the gestation hadn’t changed between 4th and 7th months. From the 7th month the mean CTUP grows significantly until the 8th gestation month, being the same till the 9th month when increased again until the foaling. There were no interaction between CTUP/EUUP and mare’s age (P=0.22), neither CC (P=0.45) and CE (P=0.98), nor vulvar angle (P=0.45) and IC (P=0.68). It was concluded that gestational age is the only factor affecting CTUP/EUUP and its evaluation in mares shouldn’t be the only parameter to estimate placental failure and impending abortion. Also, vulvar conformation is a racial characteristic that doesn’t affect CTUP/EUUP.

Durante a gravidez, a gestante experiencia sentimentos intensos acerca de si e do bebê. Também constrói expectativas relacionadas à criança. Estes sentimentos e expectativas contribuem para a relação que ela estabelece com seu bebê. Contudo, diferente de gestantes primíparas, este processo pode apresentar algumas particularidades para secundíparas, tendo em vista sua experiência anterior com o filho primogênito. Neste sentido, este estudo investigou as eventuais diferenças nas expectativas e sentimentos de gestantes primíparas e secundíparas acerca de seu bebê. Foi realizado um estudo de caso coletivo, envolvendo sete primíparas e sete secundíparas que estavam no terceiro trimestre de gravidez. As gestantes responderam a uma entrevista estruturada que investigava seus sentimentos e expectativas acerca do bebê. Uma análise de conteúdo qualitativa evidenciou mais semelhanças do que diferenças entre os grupos. Dentre as diferenças, pode-se destacar que, enquanto primíparas tenderam a basear suas expectativas e sentimentos na idéia de um bebê ideal, no caso de secundíparas, estas foram mediadas pela existência do primogênito. Assim, expectativas e sentimentos de secundíparas contribuíram para que delineassem e configurassem a identidade do bebê, diferenciando-o do primogênito; para que reformulassem seu papel de mãe e iniciassem a integração do segundo filho no sistema familiar. Estes dados sugerem a possibilidade de intervenção precoce na presença de problemas decorrentes da gestação de um segundo filho. / During the pregnancy, the pregnant live deeply intense feelings concerning herself and the baby. Also she constructs expectations related to the child. These feelings and expectations contribute for the relation that she establishes with her baby. However, different of primiparous pregnants, this process can present some particularities for secundiparous, in view of their previous experience with the firstborn son. In this direction, this study investigated the eventual differences in the primiparous and secundiparous pregnant’s expectations and feelings concerning their babies. A study of collective case was carried through, involving seven primiparous and seven secundiparous that they were in the third trimester of pregnancy. The pregnant had answered to a structuralized interview that investigated their feelings and expectations concerning the baby. A qualitative content analysis evidenced more similarities than differences between the groups. Amongst the differences, it can be distinguished that, while primiparous had tended to base their expectations and feelings in the idea of an ideal baby, in the secundiparous case, these expectations and feelings had been mediated by the firstborn existence. Thus the secundiparaous expectations and feelings had contributed so that they delineated and configured the identity of the baby, differentiating him of the firstborn; so that they reformulated their mother role and they initiated the integration of the second child in the familiar system. These data suggest the possibility of early intervention in front of the current problems of a second child gestation.

Objetivo: Tabagismo materno durante a gestação tem sido associado com obesidade na vida adulta, sem que mecanismos de causalidade tenham sido totalmente esclarecidos. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar se o tabagismo materno durante a gestação está associado à preferência alimentar do filho na vida adulta e consequentemente influencia seu estado nutricional. Métodos: Estudo de coorte realizado entre 01 de junho de 1978 e 31 de maio de 1979, neste período foram incluídos 6973 recém-nascidos vivos na cidade de Ribeirão Preto. Nesta ocasião foram coletadas informações maternas, sócio-econômicas e antropométricas dos recém-nascidos. Após 24 anos, uma amostra representativa de indivíduos (n=2103) foi reavaliada. Os indivíduos responderam a um questionário de frequência alimentar, para avaliação do consumo alimentar (variáveis de desfecho). Após a exclusão de gêmeos, dos recém-nascidos menores que 34 semanas e dos indivíduos que não possuíam informação referente ao tabagismo materno durante a gestação (missings), totalizamos uma amostra representativa de 2010 indivíduos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em expostos (n=424) e não expostos ao tabagismo materno durante a gestação (n=1586). Através de análise de Covariância (ANCOVA), foi avaliada a relação entre a exposição ao fumo materno e o desfecho, ajustada para variáveis dos indivíduos e maternas. Resultados: Indivíduos expostos ao tabagismo materno durante a gestação preferem mais carboidrato em detrimento às proteínas (representada pela variável relação carboidrato/proteína) (P=0,014). Não há associação entre a exposição ao tabagismo durante a gestação e o índice de massa corporal do filho na vida adulta (P=0,332). Ao categorizar os indivíduos conforme sua preferência por carboidratos em relação às proteínas foi encontrada maior percentagem de indivíduos com alta preferência entre os expostos ao tabagismo durante a gestação (P<0,001). Conclusão: Tabagismo materno durante a gestação está associado com uma preferência alimentar por carboidrato na vida adulta em humanos. É possível que eventos adversos que ocorrem na vida fetal programem de forma persistente a fisiologia e metabolismo do indivíduo, levando a uma alteração do comportamento alimentar, o que poderia contribuir para o aumento da incidência de obesidade descrita nesta população. / Objectives: Maternal smoking during pregnancy has been associated with obesity in adulthood, although the causal mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine whether maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with food preferences of the adult offspring and consequently impact their nutritional status. Study Design: Cohort study carried out from 01 June 1978 to May 31, 1979, in this period 6973 newborns living in Ribeirão Preto city were included. Information on maternal, socioeconomic, and anthropometric variables was collected on that occasion. After 24 years a representative sample of individuals (n = 2103) was reassessed. The subjects answered a food frequency questionnaire. After exclusion of twins, of newborns less than 34 weeks gestation and subjects who did not have information regarding maternal smoking during pregnancy (missings), a total of 2010 individuals were included in the final analysis. The subjects were categorized in exposed (n = 424) and not exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy (n = 1586). Through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), results were adjusted for individual and maternal variables. Results: Individuals exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy prefer more carbohydrate to protein (represented by the variable carbohydrate / protein ratio) (P=0.014). No association between exposure to smoking during pregnancy and body mass index of the offspring was found (P=0.332). By categorizing individuals according to their preferences for carbohydrates over proteins, we found a higher percentage of individuals with high preference among those exposed to smoking during pregnancy (P <0.001). Conclusions: Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with a preference for carbohydrate food in adulthood in humans. It is possible that adverse events occurred in fetal life promote persistent changes in the individual physiology and metabolism, leading to altered eating behavior, which could contribute to the increased incidence of obesity reported in this population.