Weight Gain During Pregnancy Influences Adverse Outcomes for Mother and Child

Gestational weight gain above or below the guidelines of the Institute of Medicine is associated with maternal and infant outcomes.

Weight gain during pregnancy is natural but some gain weight more than the recommended levels while some don’t.

A recent study found the risk associated with weight gain during weight gain. Weight gain that was greater or less than guideline recommendations was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes for mothers and infants, compared with weight gain within recommended levels.

Healthy Weight Gain during Pregnancy
Recommended weight gain during pregnancy is determined as per pre-pregnancy weight and BMI. Healthy weight gain is very important for pregnancy health and is achieved with the right diet and exercise.

‘Gestational weight gain below the recommendations was associated with higher risk of small for preterm birth while weight gain more than the recommendations had a risk of macrosomia and cesarean delivery.’

In 2009, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) provided specific recommendations regarding the ideal gestational weight gain.

However, the association between gestational weight gain consistent with the IOM guidelines and pregnancy outcomes is unclear.

Rebecca F. Goldstein, Helena J. Teede of Monash University, Victoria, Australia, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies to evaluate associations between gestational weight gain above or below the IOM guidelines with maternal and infant outcomes.

Obesity during Pregnancy: Know the Risks
Women with a body mass index >30 are obese and are at a higher risk for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Macrosomia and birth defects are risks seen in the babies.

It suggests gain of 27.6 - 39.7 lbs. for underweight women [BMI less than 18.5]; 25.4 - 35.3 lbs. for normal-weight women [BMI 18.5-24.9]; 15.4 - 24.3 lbs., for overweight women [BMI 25-29.9]; and 11 - 19.8 lbs. for obese women [BMI 30 or greater]).

The researchers found that 47 percent of pregnancies had gestational weight gain greater than IOM recommendations and 23 percent had weight gain less than the recommendations.

Exercises, Massages and Relaxing Techniques for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy exercises are instrumental in carving a healthy pregnancy journey. Pregnancy massages can aid in relaxation and reduce discomfort.

Gestational weight gain below the recommendations was associated with higher risk of small for gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth and lower risk of large for gestational age (LGA) and macrosomia (newborn with an excessive birth weight).

Gestational weight gain above the recommendations was associated with lower risk of SGA and preterm birth and higher risk of LGA, macrosomia and cesarean delivery.

Pregnancy and Complications
In-depth guide for expecting mothers to overcome health complications related to early or late pregnancy. Anemia, urinary infection, diabetes, premature labor to name a few.

Several limitations of the study are noted in the article, including that it lacks studies from developing countries and excluded non-English-language articles.

The World Health Organization has prioritized achievement of ideal BMI prior to conception and prevention of excess gestational weight gain. The authors write that lifestyle interventions in pregnancy can help women attain recommended gestational weight gain.

Source-Eurekalert