Maternal Obesity Tied To Increase In Child Behavior Problems, University of Pittsburgh Study

Maternal obesity is associated with a small increase in child behavior problems, according to a study published online March 21 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Sarah J. Pugh, from the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues followed 511 mother-infant dyads through pregnancy to 10 years to examine offspring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and emotional/behavioral impairments in relation to maternal gestational weight gain (GWG). The Conners' Continuous Performance Test was used to assess child ADHD symptoms; child behavior was evaluated by parent and teacher ratings on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form, respectively.

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