Is There an Association in Humans Between Maternal BMI and the Likelihood of a Male Versus a Female Embryo Implanting? [8D]. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Esman, Rachael; Lee, J.; Yeshua, Arielle; Levine, Julia; Godfrey, Dara; Copperman, Alan B.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 127(2016)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000483386.32000.ec
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Recent human studies suggest maternal body mass index (BMI) and energy storage influence the sex ratio of live births and may potentially trigger epigenetic changes that are manifested in their offspring(s). In some animal models, a male embryo exerts a greater demand for energy to achieve a successful pregnancy. Maternal nutritional status may serve as a gender determinant at time of conception, and energy availability could bias females' ability to reach a full term birth. This study sought to understand if maternal BMI influenced the probability of male versus female embryo implantation. METHODS: Patients who underwent an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle from 7/17/2002–9/6/2014 and achieved live births were included. BMI level cohorts were recognized (Normal: 17.0–24.9; Overweight: 25–29.9; Obese: >30). Male and female live birth rates were primarily assessed. RESULTS: A total of 4, 467 women (Normal: n=3, 223; Overweight: n=784; Obese: n=460) were evaluated. Minimal differences were observed in male and female live birth rates for all cohorts (Normal: 51.6% vs 48.4%; Overweight: 53.1% vs 46.9%; Obese: 49.1% vs 50.9%). CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that with regard to human maternal BMI, there is no signification alteration in the sex ratio of live birth rates, and no change in the likelihood of a male or female embryo implantation. While a healthy nutritional status is essential for optimizing the maternal and fetal health, maternal BMI does not alter implantation rate based on embryonic sex.