Pregnancy Gain Research Articles

Adverse perinatal outcomes related to pregestational obesity or excessive weight gain in pregnancy.

To evaluate outcomes related to pregestational obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. This retrospective cohort was conducted from August to December 2020. Participants were divided into four groups: non-obese with non-excessive weight gain (n=765, 45.9 %), obese with non-excessive weight gain (n=190, 11.4 %), non-obese with excessive weight gain (n=532, 31.9 %), and obese with excessive weight gain (n=179, 10.7 %). The outcomes were evaluated for gestational diabetes (GDM), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), newborn large for gestational age (LGA) and cesarean delivery. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. The odds of GDM were significant in groups 2 (CR, 3.6; 95 %CI, 2.5-5.2) and 4 (CR,1.9; 95 %CI, 1.3-2.9). The odds of PIH in groups 3 (CR, 1.7; 95 %CI, 1-2.6) and 4 (CR,3.1; 95 %CI, 1.9-5.2) and those of LGA newborns in groups 2 (CR, 2.0; 95 %CI, 1.2-3.3), 3 (CR, 2.6; 95 %CI, 1.9-3.7), and 4 (CR, 3.2; 95 %CI, 2-5) were high. The odds of GDM were higher in participants with pregestational obesity, while the odds of PIH were higher in participants with excessive weight gain. All groups analyzed, except the reference group, had greater chances of lga newborns. the form of delivery was not affected.

Weight gain in pregnancy and impact of obesity on the obstetric outcome: A retrospective study in a secondary care hospital in South India

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the patterns of weight gain in pregnancy and the outcomes of pregnancy in overweight and obese mothers. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on 1,352 mothers between October 2020 and August 2021. All pregnant women who presented for antenatal checkups from 20 weeks or earlier, with a singleton pregnancy, were included in the study. Details such as comorbidities, total duration of labor, complications during labor, and neonatal complications were included. Results: At the first antenatal visit, 16% of mothers were underweight, 51% of mothers were normal weight, and 33% of mothers were overweight or obese. Women with poor weight gain were two times more prone to give birth to a child with low birth weight than those with adequate weight gain. Excess weight gain in pregnancy in women with a normal body mass index (BMI) had an association with the development of pre-eclampsia. The odds of overweight/obese pregnant women developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were 2.1 times higher than in pregnant women with normal BMI. The odds of pregnant overweight/obese women undergoing cesarean section were 1.6 times higher than in pregnant women with normal BMI. Conclusion: Overweight/obese pregnant women had increased odds of developing GDM and undergoing a cesarean section. Excess weight gain was also seen in overweight/obese women. It is therefore important for physicians to educate women on acceptable weight gain during their pregnancy.

Is it possible to detect women at higher risk of intrapartum stillbirth? An area-based prospective cohort study.

The aim of the study is to perform an overview of intrapartum stillbirth (SB) at term, assessing risk factors, causes of death and quality of pregnancy care. This is an area-based, prospective cohort study on pregnant women at ≥37 weeks from 2014 to 2021. We compared intrapartum SB' information to alive birth and to antepartum deaths of the same period. Results of logistic regression are reported as the Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and the P value. A descriptive analysis about the causes of death and quality of pregnancy care is performed. The overall rate of SB at term in Emilia-Romagna was 1.06 ‰ births. Among the 260 cases, 27 (10.4%) occurred during labor, with an intrapartum SB rate of 0.11‰. This SB rate was stable during years. SGA newborn (P=0.005, 95% CI 1.47-9.04, OR 3.63), low level of education (P<0.0001, 95% CI 2.98-16.11, OR 6.93), pre pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (P<0.0001, 95% CI 6.61-31.74, OR 14.50) are independent risk factors for intrapartum SB when compared to alive newborns. Compared with antepartum SB, excessive weight gain in pregnancy (RR 2.91, 1.43-3.98, P=0.001) represents a risk factor for intrapartum ones. Preventing intrapartum SB at term in developed country should be based on both the appropriate antenatal management of fetal growth and the avoidance of maternal excessive weight gain. An effort toward pre conceptional intervention of improving maternal shape could be of value.

Gestational Weight Gain Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review.

Metabolic bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity. Women of reproductive age represent the largest demographic group undergoing these procedures. Metabolic bariatric surgery can have both beneficial and adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. One of the most common adverse effects is fetal growth restriction. To mitigate these adverse effects, it is crucial to explore lifestyle modifications aimed at promoting a healthy pregnancy. Modifiable factors during pregnancy after metabolic bariatric surgery include the amount of gestational weight gain. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of what is known about gestational weight gain in pregnancy after bariatric metabolic surgery. This review is focused on the two most performed procedures: sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Association between Fish Consumption during Pregnancy and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Statistical Study in Southern Italy.

Background: This research aimed to evaluate the association between the monthly consumption of fish (differentiated by type) and both gestational and neonatal outcomes. Methods: Women who were admitted for delivery in the last 6 months of 2023 were prospectively included and divided according to type of fish consumed (based on DHA and mercury content) and frequency of consumption. Neonatal outcomes included weight, length, head circumference, and 1st and 5th minute Apgar scores. Maternal outcomes were threats of abortion, preterm birth, gestational diabetes and hypertension, cesarean section, and differential body mass index (BMI). Results: Small-size oily fish with high DHA and low mercury content (type B fish) consumption was positively associated with neonatal weight and head circumference, and less weight gain in pregnancy. It was also significantly associated with lower incidences of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and cesarean section. Correlation between differential BMI and monthly consumption of fish resulted in statistical significance, especially in type B fish consumers. Conclusions: The consumption of type B fish was significantly associated with increased neonatal weight and head circumference and better maternal outcomes.

Trajectory of gestational weight gain in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Weight gain in pregnancy is a significant modifiable factor that impacts immediate and future health of the mother and her fetus Hence, worldwide guidelines are developed about weight gain in pregnancy. In a recent study patients with abnormal glucose tolerance test and diagnosed with gestational diabetes had less deviation from expected gestational weight gain. Purpose: The aim of our study is to look at the trajectory of gestational weight gain for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes followed at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&amp;RC) Methods: Our study population included 215 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who attended the obstetrics outpatient clinic and family health clinics from first antenatal visit until delivery. Results: From among the 215 women in the study cohort, the total number of weight gain was 143. The number of patients who lost weight was 48, and the number of patients who remained stable were 24. Overall, the amount of weight gain for women in this study was comparable to the expected. Conclusion: In our study we found the patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus have a wide range of changes in their weight gain trajectory from previously expected parameters in the healthy population, which might be explained by other factors like adherence to diet, exercise and medications designed control the metabolism.

Complicaciones del embarazo en pacientes con ganancia excesiva de peso gestacional en un hospital público peruano

Objective: TTo determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, of pregnant women with excessive gestational weight gain. And determine their relationship with maternal complications. Methods: Analytical, retrospective study. Full-term pregnant women, older than 18 years and with single live fetuses, with legible clinical history and prenatal care card with first and last check-up, treated at a public hospital in Peru between January - June 2022, were included. Patients with mental problems and those with fetuses with malformations, were excluded. The variables measured were: sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric, gestational weight gain, and maternal complications. Excess gestational weight was defined using pre-pregnancy body mass index, difference in weight between the first and last prenatal check-up, and Institute of Medicine guidelines. A descriptive analysis was made and to recognize the relationship between excessive gestational weight and maternal results, the X2 test was used. The National University of San Agustín Institutional Research Ethics Committee granted approval of the study. Results: We included 1021 pregnant women in the study. Of these, 49.0% had excessive gestational weight. 43.0% of overweight patients had maternal complications. A relationship was found between excessive weight gain in pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Conclusions: Patients with excessive weight gain in pregnancy were more likely to have gestational diabetes. Keywords: Body mass index, Gestational weight gain, Pregnancy complications, Gestational diabetes, Peru.

Preconception weight suppression predicts eating disorder symptoms in pregnancy.

Disordered eating is common in pregnancy and associated with adverse health outcomes. Weight suppression (WS), the discrepancy between highest lifetime and current weight, is a robust predictor of loss of control (LOC) and binge eating and weight gain trajectories in clinical populations. This study explored the role of preconception WS as a predictor of disordered eating and weight gain in pregnancy. Pregnant individuals (n=137) reported their highest, preconception, and current weights to calculate preconception WS, actual gestational weight gain (GWG), and deviations from recommended weight gain trajectories in pregnancy. Participants also completed the Prenatal Eating Behaviours Screening (PEBS) tool, a validated measure of disordered eating specifically in pregnancy. Preconception WS was a significant predictor of PEBS total scores [F(5, 122)=2.70, p=0.02, R2=0.10] and significantly and positively correlated with individual item scores quantifying restrictive eating behaviours. Preconception WS was not predictive of deviations from recommended GWG trajectories or LOC or binge eating frequency and did not interact with pre-pregnancy body mass index or GWG to predict eating disorder symptom severity. Preconception WS was predictive of disordered eating, and specifically restrictive eating behaviours in pregnancy, and should be assessed as part of screening for eating disorder risk in pregnant individuals.

Association of DPP-4 Concentrations with the Occurrence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is considered one of the most common diseases that occur during pregnancy. In addition to increasing the risk of numerous complications throughout gestation, it is also believed to have a long-term potential to impact the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease for the mother and her offspring. While there are clear guidelines for healthy weight gain in pregnancy depending on pre-pregnancy BMI, as well as dietary and training recommendations to achieve this, an increasing number of women are experiencing excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG). Such patients have a higher risk of developing GDM and gestational hypertension, as well as requiring caesarian delivery. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is a glycoprotein that seems to play an important role in glucose metabolism, and inhibition of its activity positively affects glucose regulation. The aim of our study was to compare DPP-4 concentrations in patients with GDM and EGWG with healthy women. DPP-4 levels were assessed in serum and urine samples collected on the day of delivery. The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method was also used to analyze the body composition of patients on the second day of the postpartum period. DPP-4 serum concentrations were significantly higher in patients in the GDM and EGWG groups compared to healthy women. Urinary DPP-4 concentrations were significantly higher in the control and GDM groups than in the EGWG group. Serum DPP-4 levels were positively correlated with BMI measured before pregnancy, on the delivery day, and in the early postpartum period, among other factors. According to our knowledge, this is the first study to determine DPP-4 levels in EGWG patients. DPP-4 may be related to the occurrence of GDM and EGWG; however, this requires further research.

Is postpartum depression related to total weight gain during pregnancy and maternal anemia?

This study aimed to investigate the effects of weight gain and maternal anemia on postpartum depression. This is a prospective, single-center, case-control study. We recorded the demographic characteristics, blood ferritin level, and weight gain during the pregnancy. This study was planned between April 2023 and June 2023 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Ankara Etlik City Hospital. A total of 109 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were assessed with the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Weight gain, nutritional education, educational level, mode of delivery, and pregnancy history were asked in person. Ferritin levels at the onset of labor were determined to detect anemia. Twin births, births due to fetal anomalies or intrauterine stillbirths, patients with systemic infections, and patients diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in the past 6 months whose records were not accessible were excluded from the study. Pregnancy weight gain and percentage of pregnancy weight gain were higher. Serum ferritin levels and nutritional education during pregnancy were lower in the postpartum depression group (p<0.001). These parameters with statistical significance were identified as risk factors in the regression analysis for postpartum depression (p<0.05). In receiver operating characteristics analysis, >15 kg for weight gain, >28.8 for percentage of weight gain in pregnancy, and <19 ng/dL for serum ferritin level were identified as cutoff values (p<0.001). Nutritional education and vitamin supplementation should be recommended to pregnant women during routine examinations.

Pairing Evidence-Based Strategies With Motivational Interviewing to Support Optimal Nutrition and Weight Gain in Pregnancy.

Pairing Evidence-Based Strategies With Motivational Interviewing to Support Optimal Nutrition and Weight Gain in Pregnancy.

Navigating the impacts of excessive weight gain in pregnancy on obstetric outcomes: An in-depth evaluation

Navigating the impacts of excessive weight gain in pregnancy on obstetric outcomes: An in-depth evaluation

Post-partum weight retention in Northeastern Brazilian women: a prospective NISAMI cohort study.

Weight retention during the post-partum period is associated with excessive weight gain. To investigate factors associated with maternal weight retention at six months post-partum (PPWR). A prospective cohort study was conducted with 127 women monitored using prenatal services. The outcome variable was represented by post-partum maternal weight retention and calculated as the difference between the mother's weight at sixth month post-partum and her pregestational weight. The mean age of the pregnant women was 26.7 ± 5.25 years old, and the post-partum maternal weight retention was 46.5%. The proximal determinants showed a direct association with PPWR after adjusting for the distal and intermediate variables: excessive gestational weight gain (odds ratio [OR]:3.34; confidence interval [CI]:1.16-9.59), greater adhesion to dietary intake pattern 2 (composed of red meats and derivatives, eggs, industrialized foods, and coffee) (OR:2.70; CI:1.16-6.32), and the absence of exclusive maternal breastfeeding in the first month (OR:3.40; CI:1.27-9.12), as well as primiparity (OR:2.36; CI:1.00-5.55), an intermediate determinant. Insufficient weight gain in pregnancy was inversely associated with the outcome (OR:0.35; CI:0.31-0.93). Among the hierarchical determinants, proximal factors were interrelated with maternal weight retention, indicating that excessive total weight gain, an inadequate dietary intake pattern, and the absence of exclusive maternal breastfeeding in the first month of life work as dampeners of the return to pre-gestational weight. Prepartum and post-partum care interventions can contribute to reducing excess weight in women.

Body mass index and weight gain in pregnancy and cardiovascular health in middle age: A cohort study.

To examine associations between body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy and gestational weight gain (GWG) with cardiovascular health in middle age using the 'Life's Essential 8' (LE8) concept of the American Heart Association (AHA). Population-based cohort study. Swedish CardioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). A total of 8871 women from SCAPIS were included. Information on cardiovascular health in middle age was collected from SCAPIS and linked to pregnancy weight data obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, with an average follow-up time of 24.5 years. An LE8 score between 0 and 100 was determined, where a score under 60 points was defined as poor cardiovascular health. Binary logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used. Cardiovascular health according to LE8 in middle age. The odds of having poor cardiovascular health in middle age were significantly higher in women who had overweight (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 3.30, 95% CI 2.82-3.88) or obesity (aOR 7.63, 95% CI 5.86-9.94), compared with women classified as being of normal weight in pregnancy. Higher odds were also found for excessive GWG (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09-1.57), compared with women who gained weight within the recommendations. A high BMI in early pregnancy and excessive GWG were associated with greater odds of poor cardiovascular health in middle age. Although further studies are needed, our results highlight pregnancy as an important period to support long-term cardiovascular health.

Clustering of smoking, alcohol consumption and weight gain in pregnancy: prevalence, care preferences and associated factors

BackgroundSmoking, alcohol consumption and weight gain outside recommendations during pregnancy are preventable health risk factors associated with poorer health outcomes for mother and infant. Clustering of these risk factors further increases the risk and severity of outcomes. Limited research has explored the characteristics of pregnant women that are associated with clustering of these risks and women’s preferences for receiving support. This paper aimed to determine: (i) the prevalence of clustered preventable risk factors; (ii) associations between maternal characteristics and presence of clustered risk factors; and (iii) women’s preferences for receiving care for clustered risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was undertaken with women who had recently given birth in public maternity services in New South Wales, Australia. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence of clustered risk factors and care preferences. Associations between the presence of clustered risk factors and maternal characteristics were assessed using multiple regression analyses.ResultsOf the 514 women who completed the survey, 52% reported one preventable health risk factor and 10% and 2% reported two or three. For women with two or more risk factors, the most common combination was alcohol consumption and gestational weight gain outside of recommendations (50%, n = 30). One characteristic had an association with the presence of clustered risk factors. Most women (77%, n = 46) with clustered risk factors indicated they wanted support for these health risks. Preferences for support addressing some or all risk factors, and whether the support was sequential or simultaneous, were not associated with particular risk factor combinations.ConclusionsAround one in eight women reported clustered preventable risk factors during pregnancy, most of whom would like support to address these risks. There was only one association between maternal characteristics and clustered risk factors. This suggests a need for antenatal care that is women-centred and caters for a diverse profile of clustered risks and varied preferences for care.

Gestational weight change in a diverse pregnancy cohort and mortality over 50 years: a prospective observational cohort study

High weight gain in pregnancy is associated with greater postpartum weight retention, yet long-term implications remain unknown. We aimed to assess whether gestational weight change was associated with mortality more than 50 years later. The Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP) was a prospective US pregnancy cohort (1959-65). The CPP Mortality Linkage Study linked CPP participants to the National Death Index and Social Security Death Master File for vital status to 2016. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs estimated associations between gestational weight gain and loss according to the 2009 National Academy of Medicine recommendations and mortality by pre-pregnancy BMI. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included cardiovascular and diabetes underlying causes of mortality. Among 46 042 participants, 20 839 (45·3%) self-identified as Black and 21 287 (46·2%) as White. Median follow-up time was 52 years (IQR 45-54) and 17 901 (38·9%) participants died. For those who were underweight before pregnancy (BMI <18·5 kg/m2; 3809 [9·4%] of 40 689 before imputation for missing data]), weight change above recommendations was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (HR 1·84 [95% CI 1·08-3·12]) but not all-cause mortality (1·14 [0·86-1·51]) or diabetes-related mortality (0·90 [0·13-6·35]). For those with a normal pre-pregnancy weight (BMI 18·5-24·9 kg/m2; 27 921 [68·6%]), weight change above recommendations was associated with increased all-cause (HR 1·09 [1·01-1·18]) and cardiovascular (1·20 [1·04-1·37]) mortality, but not diabetes-related mortality (0·95 [0·61-1·47]). For those who were overweight pre-pregnancy (BMI 25·0-29·9 kg/m2; 6251 [15·4%]), weight change above recommendations was associated with elevated all-cause (1·12 [1·01-1·24]) and diabetes-related (1·77 [1·23-2·54]) mortality, but not cardiovascular (1·12 [0·94-1·33]) mortality. For those with pre-pregnancy obesity (≥30·0 kg/m2; 2708 [6·7%]), all associations between gestational weight change and mortality had wide CIs and no meaningful relationships could be drawn. Weight change below recommended levels was associated only with a reduced diabetes-related mortality (0·62 [0·48-0·79]) in people with normal pre-pregnancy weight. This study's novel findings support the importance of achieving healthy gestational weight gain within recommendations, adding that the implications might extend beyond the pregnancy window to long-term health, including cardiovascular and diabetes-related mortality. National Institutes of Health.

Effect of tenofovir alafenamide in combination with and without integrase inhibitors on weight gain, diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

ObjectivesWe sought to determine if tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) was associated with excessive weight gain, diabetes (DM), and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in persons with HIV. Study designThis is a retrospective cohort study of pregnant persons with HIV prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) during the period of 01/01/2009 to 12/31/2020. Main outcomes measuresχ2 tests were used to compare the proportion of persons with excessive weight gain, DM, and HDP according to ART regimens. Excess total gestational weight gain was calculated using BMI and Institute of Medicine recommendations for weight gain in pregnancy. HDP included gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of excessive weight gain, DM, and HDP. ResultsWe identified 189 pregnant persons prescribed ART with (30) and without TAF (159). The percentage of persons with excessive gestational weight gain was not significantly different in persons prescribed TAF (32 %) and other ART (17 %), p = 0.2. Persons prescribed TAF were more likely to have HDP (30 %) compared to other ART (9 %), p = 0.001. In the adjusted analysis, DM [aOR 6.2 (95 % CI 1.2–32.7)] and TAF exposure [aOR 3.2 (95 % CI 1.0–8.9)] were significantly associated with HDP. ConclusionDespite similar gestational weight gain, persons with HIV prescribed TAF were more likely to have HDP. Further understanding of the metabolic and cardiovascular impact of ART recommended for use during pregnancy is needed.

The distribution of dietary choline intake and serum choline levels in Australian women during pregnancy and associated early life factors

BackgroundMaternal dietary choline has a central role in foetal brain development and may be associated with later cognitive function. However, many countries are reporting lower than recommended intake of choline during pregnancy.MethodsDietary choline was estimated using food frequency questionnaires in pregnant women participating in population-derived birth cohort, the Barwon Infant Study (BIS). Dietary choline is reported as the sum of all choline-containing moieties. Serum total choline-containing compounds (choline-c), phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics in the third trimester. The main form of analysis was multivariable linear regression.ResultsThe mean daily dietary choline during pregnancy was 372 (standard deviation (SD) 104) mg/day. A total of 236 women (23%) had adequate choline intake (440 mg/day) based on the Australian and New Zealand guidelines, and 27 women (2.6%) took supplemental choline (ge 50 mg/dose) daily during pregnancy. The mean serum choline-c in pregnant women was 3.27 (SD 0.44) mmol/l. Ingested choline and serum choline-c were not correlated (R2) = − 0.005, p = 0.880. Maternal age, maternal weight gain in pregnancy, and a pregnancy with more than one infant were associated with higher serum choline-c, whereas gestational diabetes and environmental tobacco smoke during preconception and pregnancy were associated with lower serum choline-c. Nutrients or dietary patterns were not associated with variation in serum choline-c.ConclusionIn this cohort, approximately one-quarter of women met daily choline recommendations during pregnancy. Future studies are needed to understand the potential impact of low dietary choline intake during pregnancy on infant cognition and metabolic intermediaries.

Leptin/SFRP5 ratio as a potential predictor of postpartum weight retention. A prospective pilot study.

Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) and failure to lose weight within 6 months from delivery are important and identifiable predictors of the long-term obesity. The aim of the study was to verify clinical usefulness of several substances that had been proved to play a significant role in metabolism and body mass regulation, i.e., leptin, ghrelin, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5), and vaspin, in relation to certain laboratory results, body composition and hydration status of females in the early postpartum period. The main goal was to determine a potential marker, which assessed as early as 48 hours after delivery, could predict serious difficulties in achieving pre pregnancy body mass of women with EGWG six months afterwards. The same inclusion criteria applied to the study group (women with EGWG) as well as the control group (women with appropriate body mass gain in pregnancy). These included normal pre-pregnancy BMI, absence of any diseases prior, during pregnancy and after delivery, 6-month long breastfeeding. Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) depended positively on gestational weight gain as well as the leptin/SFRP5 ratio assessed 48 hours after delivery. Both obstetricians and midwives should pay special attention to proper nutrition of pregnant women. The assessment of biophysical and biochemical parameters in the early postpartum period, when the mothers are usually hospitalized, seems to allow to predict the risk of greater body weight retention. Future research will help to determine to what extent the circulating concentrations of leptin and SFRP5 in the early puerperium are important for prediction of maternal PPWR and obesity.

Pattern of weight gain in pregnant women and effect on maternal and neonatal outcome in Abuja, Nigeria: A longitudinal multicentre study

Background: Normal pregnancy is usually associated with weight gain. Abnormal weight gain in pregnancy could result in adverse neonatal and maternal outcome. Studies related to this in Nigeria are limited.Objective: The aim was to evaluate the pattern of weight gain in pregnancy and the feto-maternal outcome among women with different body mass indices attending antenatal clinic in the Federal capital territory (FCT).Study design: This was a longitudinal, multicentre study.Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty participants were recruited from 6 general hospitals in the FCT. Their body mass indices were calculated and they were categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese accordingly. They were followed up till 2 weeks postpartum. Maternal outcome sought included gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes and mode of delivery, postpartum haemorrhage, retained placenta and perineal injury. Neonatal outcomes included macrosomia, low birth weight, neonatal hypoglycaemia, shoulder dystocia, stillbirth and admission into special care baby unit (SCBU).Result: The mean age of participants was 28.8 years ±4.7 with parities ranging from 0-8. The majority of them (39%) were overweight. While most of the women (118, 56.2%) had normal weight gain (NWG) in pregnancy, 15(7.1%) had low weight gain (LWG) and 77(36.6%) had high weight gain (HWG). Most (95%) of the HWG was among the overweight and obese women. There was a higher induction rate and postpartum haemorrhage among HWG women and postdate among the obese group. There was no difference in neonatal outcome among the groups.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that HWG and LWG have more adverse pregnancy outcomes than NWG. Younger women (20-24years) with normal BMI at booking tend to gain suboptimal weight in pregnancy. HWG in pregnancy was commoner among overweight and obese women with increased induction of labour and postpartum haemorrhage among them. Post-date pregnancy was higher among the obese group. There was no difference in neonatal outcomes among the groups.