Abstract
We aimed to assess the association between postpartum weight retention (PPWR) in the fourth week after delivery and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a subsequent pregnancy. We performed a retrospective cohort study of the obstetric records of women who gave birth to their second singleton between 32 and 41 weeks of gestation at the National Hospital Organization Kofu National Hospital between January 2013 and September 2019. The exclusion criteria were missing data, twin pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, and delivery before 22 weeks in the first pregnancy. We calculated PPWR as the BMI 4 weeks after the first birth minus the BMI before the first pregnancy and grouped the subjects into the stable PPWR (gain of <1 BMI unit) and non-stable PPWR groups (gain of ≥1 BMI units). We used the χ2 test and multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between weight retention at the postpartum checkup and GDM. We included 566 women in this study (mean age, 31.7±4.8 years; mean maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, 21.3±3.5 kg/m2; term delivery, n = 544 [96.1%]). The overall prevalence of GDM during the second pregnancy was 7.4% (42/566), and 33.9% (192/566) of women had stable PPWR. Non-stable PPWR was not significantly associated with GDM in the second pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-4.46) after controlling for each variable. PPWR measured in the fourth week after delivery was not associated with an increased risk of GDM in the second pregnancy.
Highlights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity and inadequate insulin response [1,2]
Non-stable postpartum weight retention (PPWR) was not significantly associated with GDM in the second pregnancy after controlling for each variable
PPWR measured in the fourth week after delivery was not associated with an increased risk of GDM in the second pregnancy
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by decreased insulin sensitivity and inadequate insulin response [1,2]. Previous studies demonstrated that women with GDM have an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [9,10] and metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease later in life [11,12]. Their study is different than previous investigations in proposing that the postpartum checkup might provide the opportunity to identify factors that increase the risk of GDM in a subsequent pregnancy, allowing the implementation of primary prevention strategies. Doctors could identify women with a high risk of GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease who need close monitoring in later life during the postpartum care period
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
