Mean Gestational Weight Gain Research Articles

Association of Gestational Weight Gain With Infant Morbidity and Mortality in the United States

The associations of gestational weight gain (GWG) with infant morbidity and mortality are unclear, and the existing recommendations for GWG have not been stratified by the severity of obesity. To identify optimal GWG ranges associated with reduced risks of infant morbidity and mortality across maternal body mass index (BMI) categories. This retrospective cohort study used US nationwide, linked birth and infant death data between 2011 and 2015 to assess the associations of GWG in 2.0-kg groups with infant morbidity and mortality and identified optimal GWG ranges associated with reduced risks of both outcomes, using multivariable logistic regression models. Statistical analysis was performed from February 11 to October 14, 2021. Gestational weight gain equivalent to 40 weeks. The 2 main outcomes were (1) significant morbidity of the newborn infant, defined as any presence of assisted ventilation, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, surfactant therapy, antibiotic therapy, or seizures; and (2) infant mortality younger than 1 year of age (<1 hour, 1-23 hours, 1-6 days, 7-27 days, or 28-365 days after birth). In this study of 15 759 945 mother-infant dyads, the mean (SD) age of the women was 28.1 (5.9) years. Women gained a mean (SD) of 14.1 (7.3) kg during pregnancy, and the mean (SD) GWG decreased with BMI categories (underweight, 15.7 [6.4] kg; normal weight, 15.4 [6.2] kg; overweight, 14.2 [7.4] kg; obesity class 1, 12.2 [8.0] kg; obesity class 2, 10.3 [8.4] kg; obesity class 3, 8.2 [9.2] kg; P < .001). A total of 8.8% of the newborns experienced significant morbidity, with the lowest prevalence among infants delivered by women in the normal weight BMI class (8.0%) and the highest among infants delivered by women with class 3 obesity (12.4%); 0.34% of infants died within 1 year of birth, with the lowest prevalence among infants delivered by women in the normal weight BMI class (0.28%) and the highest among infants delivered by women with class 3 obesity (0.58%). Optimal GWG ranges were 12.0 to less than 24.0 kg for underweight and normal weight women, 10.0 to less than 20.0 kg for overweight women, 8.0 to less than 16.0 kg for women with class 1 obesity, 6.0 to less than 16.0 kg for class 2 obesity, and 6.0 to less than 10.0 kg for class 3 obesity. The lower bounds of the optimal GWG ranges appeared to be higher than the existing recommendations for overweight women (10.0 vs 7.0 kg) and for those with class 1 (8.0 vs 5.0 kg), class 2 (6.0 vs 5.0 kg), and class 3 (6.0 vs 5.0 kg) obesity. This study analyzed the associations of GWG with infant morbidity and mortality across BMI categories and found that inadequate GWG was associated with increased risks of adverse infant outcomes even for women with obesity. The results suggested that weight maintenance or weight loss should not be used as routine guidelines.

Association of Antenatal Diet and Physical Activity–Based Interventions With Gestational Weight Gain and Pregnancy Outcomes

Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is common and associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal lifestyle interventions limit GWG; yet benefits of different intervention types and specific maternal and neonatal outcomes are unclear. To evaluate the association of different types of diet and physical activity-based antenatal lifestyle interventions with GWG and maternal and neonatal outcomes. A 2-stage systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Health Technology Assessment Database was conducted from February 1, 2017, to May 31, 2020. Search results from the present study were integrated with those from a previous systematic review from 1990 to February 2017. Randomized trials reporting GWG and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Data were extracted for random-effects meta-analyses to calculate the summary effect estimates and 95% CIs. Outcomes were clinically prioritized, with mean GWG as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean section, preterm delivery, large or small for gestational age neonates, neonatal intensive care unit admission, or fetal death. A total of 117 randomized clinical trials of antenatal lifestyle interventions (involving 34 546 women) were included. Overall lifestyle intervention was associated with reduced GWG (-1.15 kg; 95% CI, -1.40 to -0.91), risk of gestational diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.89), and total adverse maternal outcomes (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.94) vs routine care. Compared with routine care, diet was associated with less GWG (-2.63 kg; 95% CI, -3.87 to -1.40) than physical activity (-1.04 kg; 95% CI, -1.33 to -0.74) or mixed interventions (eg, unstructured lifestyle support, written information with weight monitoring, or behavioral support alone) (-0.74 kg; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.43). Diet was associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45-0.82), preterm delivery (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.22-0.84), large for gestational age neonate (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08-0.47), neonatal intensive care admission (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.95), and total adverse maternal (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.92) and neonatal outcomes (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.72). Physical activity was associated with reduced GWG and reduced risk of gestational diabetes (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47-0.75), hypertensive disorders (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.90), cesarean section (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.95), and total adverse maternal outcomes (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.86). Diet with physical activity was associated with reduced GWG (-1.35 kg; 95% CI, -1.95 to -0.75) and reduced risk of gestational diabetes (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.96) and total adverse maternal outcomes (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.95). Mixed interventions were associated with reduced GWG only. This systematic review and meta-analysis found level 1 evidence that antenatal structured diet and physical activity-based lifestyle interventions were associated with reduced GWG and lower risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The findings support the implementation of such interventions in routine antenatal care and policy around the world.

Pre-conception and prenatal factors influencing gestational weight gain: a prospective study in Tigray\xa0region, northern Ethiopia

BackgroundIn low-income countries, the high prevalence of pre-pregnancy undernutrition remains a challenge for the future health of women and their offspring. On top of good nutrition, adequate gestational weight gain has been recognized as an essential prerequisite for optimal maternal and child health outcomes. However, good-quality data on factors influencing gestational weight gain is lacking. Therefore, this study was aimed to prospectively identify pre-conception and prenatal factors influencing gestational weight gain in Ethiopia.MethodsA population based prospective study was undertaken between February 2018 and January 2019 in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. Firstly, the weight of non-pregnant women of reproductive age living in the study area was measured between August and October 2017. Subsequently, eligible pregnant women identified during the study period were included consecutively and followed until birth. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements complemented with secondary data. Gestational weight gain, i.e., the difference between 32 to 36 weeks of gestation and pre-pregnancy weights, was classified as per the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guideline. Linear, spline, and logistic regression models were used to estimate the influence of pre-conception and prenatal factors on gestational weight gain.ResultsThe mean gestational weight gain (standard deviation[SD]) was 10.6 (2.3) kg. Overall, 64.0% (95% CI 60.9, 67.1) of the women did not achieve adequate weight gain. Factors associated with higher gestational weight gain were higher women empowerment (B 0.60, 95% CI 0.06, 1.14), dietary diversity (B 0.39, 95% CI 0.03, 0.76), pre-pregnancy body mass index (B 0.13, 95% CI 0.05, 0.22), and haemoglobin (B 0.54, 95% CI 0.45, 0.64). Additionally, adequate prenatal care (B 0.58, 95% CI 0.28, 0.88) was associated with higher gestational weight gain.ConclusionsAdequate gestational weight gain was not achieved by most women in the study area, primarily not by those who were underweight before pregnancy. Interventions that advance women’s empowerment, dietary quality, pre-pregnancy nutritional status, and prenatal care utilization may improve gestational weight gain and contribute to optimizing maternal and child health outcomes.

Pre-pregnancy Health Behaviors and Gestational Weight Gain Among Hispanic/Latino Women: Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

To examine the association between preconception diet quality, sedentary behavior, and physical activity with gestational weight gain (GWG) among Hispanic/Latina women. This was a retrospective cohort study of participants from visits 1 and 2 of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and singleton pregnancies between the 2 visits. Diet quality (alternative healthy eating index/AHEI-2010), sedentary behaviors, and physical activity (global physical activity questionnaire) were measured at visit 1 and accounted for preconception health behaviors. GWG was evaluated as a continuous and categorical variable according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines (inadequate, adequate, excessive). Linear and generalized logit survey regressions were used to study the association between health behaviors and GWG, using adequate GWG as the reference. Of the 457 women included, deliveries occurred at 3.2years (mean) from visit 1; 48.7% of women had excessive GWG. Mean AHEI-2010 scores were < 45% for women of all Hispanic/Latina backgrounds. There was no association between each 10-unit increase in AHEI-2010 or a 500kcal/day increase in energy intake for mean and categorical GWG. There was no association between 30min/day higher sedentary behavior, 30min/day higher physical activity, or meeting the 2008 US physical activity guidelines for mean and categorical GWG. We did not find any association between diet quality, sedentary behavior, and physical activity at visit 1 with GWG in pregnancies occurring between visits 1 and 2. We noted widespread poor diet quality as measured by the AHEI-2010 and low levels of physical activity among Hispanic/Latina women.

Gestational weight gain adequacy for favourable obstetric and neonatal outcomes: A nationwide hospital-based cohort gestational weight gain for favourable obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Most Brazilian women fail to gain weight within recommendations during pregnancy but current guidelines about gestational weight gain was based on North American population analysis. There are no standardized recommendations developed from Brazilian population data, which should be particularly analysed due to ethnic and sociodemographic characteristics. This study analyses the gestational weight gain of Brazilian women with favourable obstetric and neonatal outcomes according to the pre-pregnancy body mass index, considering maternal sociodemographic characteristics. We analysed data from the Birth in Brazil: national survey into labour and birth study, a nationwide hospital-based cohort carried out in 266 Brazilian hospitals from February/2011 to July 2012, including adult pregnant women who have no chronic diseases and who have single foetal gestation, born alive and without malformation. Favourable obstetric and neonatal outcomes considered were gestational age at birth greater than or equal to 37 and less than 42 weeks, birthweight between 2500g and 4000g, and birthweight suitable for gestational age. Sociodemographic characteristics were obtained from medical records and interviews. Weight and height information was obtained from the prenatal card or self-reported. The pre-pregnancy BMI was classified in low weight, normal weight, overweight, obesity I, obesity II, and obesity III. For the missing cases on pre-pregnancy weight or height, body mass index was imputed by multiple imputation prediction model. Gestational weight gain was the difference between the last weight before delivery and the pre-pregnancy weight and was presented as mean and confidence interval, mean and standard deviation, and percentiles distribution (10th to 90th) for each pre-pregnancy body mass index, thus compared to Institute of Medicine recommendations. The analysis included 8184 Brazilian women. The gestational weight gain was lower in women with less favoured social conditions. The mean gestational weight gain according to pre-pregnancy body mass index was within the Institute of Medicine recommendations, except for women with overweight or obesity class I, who have the mean weight gain higher than upper limit of the Institute of Medicine range. Gestational weight gain decreased with an increase in the categories of body mass index; the mean (±standard deviation) were: 15.41kg (±5.53), 13.54kg (±4.97), 12.45kg (±5.86), 9.38kg (±6.31), 7.15kg (±6.43), and 5.04kg (±7.10), for low weight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity I, II and III, respectively. Women had favourable obstetric and neonatal outcomes gaining less, within or more than the recommendations with higher range of variation amongst obesity classes I, II, and III which do not have specific ranges stated in Institute of Medicine guidelines. Brazilian women had favourable obstetric and neonatal outcomes gaining less, within or more than the Institute of Medicine recommendations. We highlight the need of population-based high-quality research to investigate the optimal GWG recommendations for this population.

Optimal gestational weight gain

Optimal gestational weight gain

Gestational weight gain in sub-Saharan Africa: Estimation based on pseudo-cohort design.

Inadequate or excess gestational weight gain (GWG) leads to multiple undesirable birth outcomes. Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) little is known about the weight gain pattern in pregnancy. The purpose of the study is to estimate the average gestational weight gain (GWG) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and to examined whether there had been recent improvements or not. Based on cross-sectional anthropometric data extracted from multiple Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in SSA, we estimated the average GWG in the region. Pseudo-cohort design was used to reconstruct GWG trajectories based on aggregated data of 110,482 women extracted from 30 recent surveys. Trend in GWG between 2000 and 2015 was determined using the data of 11 SSA countries. Pre-pregnancy weight was estimated based on the weight of non-pregnant women at risk of conception. On average, women in SSA gain inadequate weight (6.6 kg, 95% confidence interval, 6.0-7.2) over pregnancy. No meaningful gain was observed in the first trimester; whereas, women in the second and third trimesters put on 2.2 and 3.2 kg, respectively. The highest weight gain (10.5, 8.2-12.9 kg) was observed in Southern African sub-region and the lowest in Western Africa (5.8, 5.0-6.6 kg). The GWG among women who had secondary or above education (9.5, 8.2-10.9 kg) was higher than women with lower education (5.0, 4.3-5.8 kg). Likewise, GWG in women from richest households (9.0, 7.2-10.7 kg) was superior to those from poorest households (6.1, 5.3-7.0 kg). The estimated recent (2015-20) mean GWG (6.6, 5.8-7.4 kg) was not significantly different from what had been at beginning of the new millennium (6.7, 5.9-7.5 kg). In SSA GWG is extremely low and is not showing improvements.

The Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation, Alcohol Reduction, Diet and Physical Activity Interventions in Improving Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses.

Diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol behaviour-change interventions delivered in pregnancy aim to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review reports a synthesis of evidence from meta-analyses on the effectiveness of interventions at reducing risk of adverse health outcomes. Sixty-five systematic reviews (63 diet and physical activity; 2 smoking) reporting 602 meta-analyses, published since 2011, were identified; no data were identified for alcohol interventions. A wide range of outcomes were reported, including gestational weight gain, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes (GDM) and fetal growth. There was consistent evidence from diet and physical activity interventions for a significantly reduced mean gestational weight gain (ranging from −0.21 kg (95% confidence interval −0.34, −0.08) to −5.77 kg (95% CI −9.34, −2.21). There was evidence from larger diet and physical activity meta-analyses for a significant reduction in postnatal weight retention, caesarean delivery, preeclampsia, hypertension, GDM and preterm delivery, and for smoking interventions to significantly increase birth weight. There was no statistically significant evidence of interventions having an effect on low or high birthweight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, Apgar score or mortality outcomes. Priority areas for future research to capitalise on pregnancy as an opportunity to improve the lifelong wellbeing of women and their children are highlighted.

A180 RISK FACTORS FOR INADEQUATE GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN IN PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a risk of inadequate gestational weight-gain (GWG) which in turn may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Aims To determine the risk factors for inadequate GWG in these patients and to determine the impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods Pregnant patients with IBD, both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), were identified retrospectively at the Mount Sinai Hospital from 2016 to 2020. Total gestational weight-gain (GWG) was calculated as the difference of the weight recorded at time of labor and pre-pregnancy weight. GWG was further stratified into less than adequate, adequate, and more than adequate based on the pre-pregnancy body-mass index and standards set by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Pregnancy-related outcomes were also recorded for each patient. Disease activity was recorded at each trimester visit and defined by a fecal calprotectin (FCP) &amp;gt; 250 ug/g. Differences in the mean GWG were compared using independent T-test with standard deviations (SD) whereas categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square (x2) test. Results 71 pregnancies in 71 patients were included (33 UC and 38 CD). Thirteen patients (18.3%) had less than adequate, 23 (32.4%) adequate, and 35 (49.3%) more than adequate GWG. Of the 33 patients with UC, 4 (12.2%) had less than adequate, 15 (45.5%) had adequate, and 14 (42.4%) had more than adequate GWG. Of the 38 patients with CD, 9 (23.7%) had less than adequate, 8 (21.1%) had adequate, and 21 (55.3%) had more than adequate GWG (p=0.07) for CD vs. UC). In those with CD, both fistulizing and stricturing CD phenotypes appeared to be numerically associated with inadequate GWG. Specifically, none of the 13 patients with fistulizing CD had adequate GWG compared to 32.0% (8/25) in those without fistulizing disease (p=0.07). Similarly, only 2/22 (9.1%) of those with stricturing CD had adequate GWG compared to 6/16 (37.5%) in those without stricturing disease (p=0.07). Furthermore, of seven patients with active disease in the first trimester, only one had adequate GWG (14.3%) compared to 37.5% (3/8) of those in clinical remission (p=0.044). Active disease in trimesters two and three was not associated with inadequate GWG. Finally, the mean GWG was higher in those undergoing Cesarean (37.8 kg (SD 14.1) vs. 30.4 kg (SD 10.5), p=0.014)) and emergency Cesarean delivery (43.5 kg (SD 17.6) vs. 31.9 kg (SD 10.7) (p=0.004) compared to vaginal delivery respectively. Conclusions Patients with CD, but not UC, and those with active disease in the first trimester, are at risk of inadequate GWG during pregnancy. In those with larger GWG, a higher rate of emergency Cesarean birth was noted. Optimal intervention to achieve recommended gestational weight-gains in patients with IBD remains to be determined. Funding Agencies None

343 Evaluating compliance with a remote self-monitoring weight program in low risk women and perinatal outcomes

To compare gestational weight gain (GWG), postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and other perinatal outcomes according to compliance with a remote self-monitoring weight program in low-risk women. Women were recruited in the first trimester for the Babyscripts program, which provided a mobile application, educational resources and an internet-connected digital scale during 2016-2018 from a single hospital-based clinic. Women with pre-gravid BMI ≤ 38, single gestation and without pre-existing diabetes or hypertension were invited to participate. Participants were instructed to weigh themselves weekly from initiation of the program to delivery. Demographics, GWG, PPWR and other outcomes were abstracted from the electronic medical records. Compliance was defined as weights recorded for ≥ 50% of weeks during participation. GWG and PPWR were analyzed as weight differences from first prenatal visit to delivery and 4-12 weeks postpartum, respectively. GWG goals were calculated using the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for GWG per pre-gravid body mass index (BMI). Of the 442 women who participated, 298 (69%) were compliant (median of 22.5 weeks of weight measurements) and 135 (31%) were noncompliant (median of 7 weeks of weight measurements). There were significantly more nulliparas in the compliant group (68% vs. 54%, p=0.005) and more normal weight, less overweight, and less obese women in the compliant group (p=0.03). Mean GWG (13.4 kg ± 8.6 vs. 13.3 kg ± 5.3, p=0.91) and mean PPWR (3.0 kg ± 3.7 vs. 3.5 kg ± 4.6, p=0.46) were similar in compliant compared to noncompliant groups. There were no differences in GWG goals of inadequate (28% vs. 19%), adequate (40% vs. 44%), or excessive (33% vs. 36%), p=0.18. There were no differences in gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery or birthweight between the groups, p>0.05 for all comparisons. Compliance with a remote self-monitoring program of perinatal weight was higher among nulliparous, normal weight low-risk women, but there were no differences in GWG, PPWR, or other perinatal outcomes.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Short maternal stature and gestational weight gain among refugee and migrant women birthing appropriate for gestational age term newborns: a retrospective cohort on the Myanmar-Thailand border, 2004–2016

IntroductionTo examine the interactions between short maternal stature, body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) among appropriate for gestational age (AGA) term newborns in a population of refugees...

202 Effect of mild chronic restraint stress on gestational weight gain in murine model

To assess the effect of restraint stress on gestational weight gain in a murine model. Nulliparous female mice, divided among C57BL/6 (n=14), DBA/2 (n=11), and B6D2F1/J (n=9) strains were bred at 8-10 weeks of age with B6D2F1/J males. Detection of a copulation plug was used to determine embryonic day (E) 0.5. Dams were then randomly assigned to either stress or control groups. The mice assigned to stress underwent daily 2-hour periods of restraint in a ventilated clear 50-mL conical centrifuge tube from E1.5-E15.5. The primary outcome was the difference between weight on day E15.5 compared to day E0.5. Pregnancy was confirmed by either preterm delivery from E15.5-E17.5 or by inspection of the uterus after sacrifice on E17.5. Mean weight gain for each strain was compared between the control and stress groups using independent sample t-tests. Values of p < .05 were considered statistically significant. Mean gestational weight gain is presented in Figure 1. DBA/2 and B6D2F1/J mice exposed to restraint stress demonstrated significantly lower gestational weight gain than their respective controls (p=.001 and p=.005, respectively). There was not a significant difference in gestational weight gain in stressed C57BL/6 mice compared to controls (p=.70). Mild chronic restraint stress results in decreased gestational weight gain in DBA/2 and B6D2F1/J mice but not in C57BL/6 mice.

Pharmacological therapy in gestational diabetes – a comparison between insulin and oral therapy

Background The appropriate medical treatment for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is controversial and recommendations vary between different organizations. Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of glyburide and insulin as treatments for GDM. Methods Retrospective analysis of all pregnant women diagnosed with GDM and treated with either glyburide or insulin. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared according to type of pharmacological treatment. Results Included in the study were 323 women, of whom 269 (83.28%) were treated with glyburide and 54 (16.72%) with insulin. There were no significant differences between the groups, apart from a higher one-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) value (191.80 mg/dl in the glyburide group, 204.33 in the insulin group, p = .01). Optimal glucose control was achieved in 130 women in the glyburide group (48.32%) and 15 in the insulin group (27.77%), p = .007. This difference remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, and fasting glucose during OGTT (aOR = 2.22). Mean gestational weight gain was lower in the glyburide group vs. insulin group (10.01 vs. 11.99 kg, p = .048). Apart from higher maternal hypoglycemia rate (12.64% in glyburide group vs. 1.85% in insulin group, p = .016), there were no other differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes between the groups. Glyburide failure rate was 13.38%, and associated with higher fasting OGTT value (100.70 mg/dl in glyburide failure group vs. 94.67 mg/dl in the glyburide treatment until delivery group, p = .041). Conclusions Glyburide is at least as safe and effective as insulin except for higher rates of maternal hypoglycemia. Considering its advantages compared to insulin (ease of use and storage, increased patient responsiveness, and lower cost), it may be considered as first line treatment in GDM, especially when fasting OGTT value is not high.

The weight of motherhood: Identifying obesity, gestational weight gain and physical activity level of Italian pregnant women.

Objective:Pre-pregnancy obesity and suboptimal gestational weight gain are on the rise globally and are independently associated with several maternal and neonatal complications. A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, may improve health and reduce these complications, but many women are less active and willing to engage in physical activity with advancing gestation. Therefore, the inclusion of a wider range of physical activity such as domestic chore, occupational activity and active commuting may help pregnant women to meet the physical activity recommendations of 150 min/week. Very little is known about these issues in Italy, a country with strong traditional roles regarding pregnancy and motherhood, including “la famiglia” (the family). Primary objective describes health and lifestyle behavior of pregnant Italian women. Secondary objective reports total physical activity level, recreational exercise and context of these activities from pre-pregnancy and throughout gestation in regard to gestational weight gain management.Study design:Cross-sectional study performed in one public hospital and four antenatal clinics in Italy. Participants (n = 513) completed a validated self-administered questionnaire, the Physical Activity Pregnancy Questionnaire, in gestation week 36.01 (standard deviation 2.0). Pre-pregnancy body weight (kg) was self-reported, whereas maternal weight (kg) was measured at gestation week 36. In line with current American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines (2020), participants were categorized into regular physical activity (⩾150 min/week) or non-regular physical activity (<150 min/week).Results:Mean pre-pregnancy body-mass index was 22.8 kg/m2 (standard deviation 3.9), with 14.4% of women entering motherhood overweight and 5.3% obese. Mean gestational weight gain was 11.9 kg (standard deviation 4.1). Among those with a body-mass index ⩾25, 46.5% gained above the Institute of Medicine recommendations. With respect to recreational exercise/sport, 4.7% were active according to guidelines, whereas 82.7% accumulated ⩾150 min/week when combining exercise/sport with daily-life physical activity (commuting and occupational). Exercising ⩾150 min/week and working 100% in third trimester were associated with gestational weight gain within Institute of Medicine recommendations (p = 0.06 and p = 0.03).Conclusion:Italian pregnant women have a low exercise level, still over 80% achieved a total physical activity level ⩾150 min/week when adding occupational and commuting activities. Nearly 50% of overweight and obese women exceeded the recommended gestational weight gain during pregnancy.

Gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention after bariatric surgery: data from a prospective cohort study.

It is unknown whether international guidelines on gestational weight gain can be used in pregnancies after bariatric surgery. To investigate gestational weight gain, intrauterine growth, and postpartum weight retention in postbariatric women. 8 Belgian hospitals. Prospective data from 127 postbariatric pregnancies from September 2014 through October 2018. Patients were grouped according to achievement of 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. In 127 patients with a mean age of 30.2 years (standard deviation [SD], 4.7), the mean gestational weight gain was 12.5 kg (SD, 6.7). Of these patients, 24% (30 of 127) showed insufficient weight gain, 20% (26 of 127) showed adequate weight gain, and 56% (71 of 127) showed excessive weight gain. Of 127 patients, 27 (21%) had small-for-gestational-age infants. This peaked in the group with insufficient weight gain (47%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 29%-65%; P < .001). The prevalence of large-for-gestational-age infants was comparable between groups, although highest in the group with excessive weight gain (0% in those with insufficient weight gain, 4% in those with adequate weight gain, and 8% in those with excessive weight gain). Preterm births were recorded more in patients with insufficient weight gain (23%; 95% CI, 8%-38%; P = .048). The mean amounts of postpartum weight retained were 4.0 kg (SD, 7.4) at 6 weeks and 3.0 kg (SD, 9.1) at 6 months. Weight retention at 6 weeks (7.1 kg; 95% CI, 5.5-8.7; P < .001) and 6 months (8.3 kg; 95% CI, 4.5-12.2; P < .001) was highest in women gaining excessive weight. Achievement of IOM guidelines is low in postbariatric pregnancies. Insufficient weight gain increases the risk for small-for-gestational-age babies. Excessive weight gain increases weight retention after delivery and could precipitate weight regain. After bariatric surgery, women should be encouraged to achieve IOM recommendations.

Weight gain and body composition during pregnancy: a randomised pilot trial with probiotics and/or fish oil.

We evaluated the effects of fish oil and/or probiotic supplementation in a randomised placebo-controlled intervention pilot trial on gestational weight gain (GWG) and body composition. Additionally, the influence of gestational diabetes (GDM) on GWG and body composition was assessed. We randomised 439 overweight women into intervention groups: fish oil + placebo, probiotics + placebo, fish oil + probiotics and placebo + placebo (fish oil: 1·9 g DHA and 0·22 g EPA and probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420, 1010 colony-forming units each). GDM was diagnosed with oral glucose tolerance test. Body composition was measured with air displacement plethysmography at randomisation (mean 13·9) and in late pregnancy (mean 35·2 gestational weeks). Intervention did not influence mean GWG or change in body fat mass/percentage (P > 0·17). Body composition in early pregnancy did not differ between the women who did or did not develop GDM (adjusted P > 0·23). Compared with the normoglycaemic women (n 278), women diagnosed with GDM (n 119) gained less weight (7·7 (sd 0·4) v. 9·3 (sd 0·4) kg, adjusted mean difference -1·66 (95 % CI -2·52, -0·80) and fat mass (0·4 (sd 0·4) v. 1·8 (sd 0·3) kg, adjusted mean difference -1·43 (95 % CI -2·19, -0·67) during the follow-up. In conclusion, adiposity of pregnant overweight women was not affected by supplementation with fish oil and/or probiotics, nor did it predict the development of GDM. However, adiposity was reduced in women with GDM compared with normoglycaemic women irrespective of the dietary intervention.

Monitoring gestational weight gain and prepregnancy BMI using the 2009 IOM guidelines in the global population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported a high prevalence of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in women with prepregnancy BMI classified as overweight and obese. However, the joint evidence regarding GWG and prepregnancy BMI in the worldwide population has not been synthesized. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate global and regional mean GWG and the prevalence of GWG above, within and below 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. Second, we aimed to estimate global and regional prepregnancy BMI and the prevalence of BMI categories according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science to identify observational studies until 9 May 2018. We included studies published from 2009 that used 2009 IOM guidelines, reporting data from women in general population with singleton pregnancies. The 2009 IOM categories for GWG and the WHO categories for prepregnancy BMI were used. DerSimonian and Laird random effects methods were used to estimate the pooled and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the mean and by category rates of GWG and prepregnancy BMI, calculated by global and regions.ResultsSixty-three published studies from 29 countries with a total sample size of 1,416,915 women were included. The global prevalence of GWG above and below the 2009 IOM guidelines, was 27.8% (95% CI; 26.5, 29.1) and 39.4% (95% CI; 37.1, 41.7), respectively. Furthermore, meta-regression analyses showed that the mean GWG and the prevalence of GWG above guidelines have increased. The global prevalence of overweight and obesity, was 23.0% (95% CI; 22.3, 23.7) and 16.3% (95% CI; 15.4, 17.4), respectively. The highest mean GWG and prepregnancy BMI were in North America and the lowest were in Asia.ConclusionsConsidering the high prevalence of GWG above the 2009 IOM guidelines and women with overweight/obesity and their continuously increasing trend in most regions, clinicians should recommend lifestyle interventions to improve women’s weight during reproductive age. Due to regional variability, these interventions should be adapted to each cultural context.Trial registrationProspectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018093562).

The impact of a vegan diet on pregnancy outcomes.

To determine the effect of a maternal vegan diet on pregnancy outcome. This is a prospective observational study. Women with a singleton pregnancy who maintained the same diet prior to, and throughout current pregnancy were enrolled. Stratification was performed according to diet type: vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians, fish-eaters, and omnivores. Overall, 273 women were enrolled, of them, 112 omnivores, 37 fish-eaters, 64 lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 60 vegans. The vegan diet was significantly associated with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age newborns compared only to an omnivore diet (RR = 5.9, 95% CI, 1.2-21.8). The incidence of preterm birth was similar in all groups. Vegans had lower birthweight compared to lacto-ovo-vegetarians (3015 ± 420 g vs. 3285 ± 482 g, P = 0.004), and to omnivores (3328 ± 495 g, P < 0.001), but not to fish-eaters. Vegans also had a lower mean gestational weight gain compared only to omnivores (11.6 ± 4.2 kg vs. 14.3 ± 4.6 kg, P = 0.001). The vegan diet is associated with an increased risk for small-for-gestational-age newborns and lower birthweight.

Nutrition in Pregnancy and Growth in Southwest China (NPGSC) cohort: Design, implementation, and characteristics

BackgroundPregnancy and birth cohorts addressing maternal nutrition and its impact on health outcomes have been rare in China, especially in Southwest China.ObjectivesTo describe the design, implementation, baseline characteristics, and initial results of the Nutrition in Pregnancy and Growth in Southwest China (NPGSC) cohort.PopulationPregnant women with their children in Southwest China.DesignNPGSC participants have been prospectively recruited since 2014. Pregnant women were invited to participate in the study at their first routine ultrasound examination in gestational weeks 9‐11. Data were assessed three times during pregnancy (9‐11, 20‐22, and 33‐35 gestation weeks), and eight times in infants and toddlers.MethodsPre‐pregnancy body weight and height were self‐reported; gestational weight gain was measured at regular intervals. Both food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and 24‐hour dietary recalls were used to collect dietary intakes during pregnancy, and FFQ for diet before pregnancy. Information on pregnancy outcomes was extracted from the medical birth registry. Anthropometry of children in the first 3 years of life was measured by trained investigators. Other child outcomes, including feeding practices (self‐reported by mothers) and cognitive development (assessed by the Chinese version of Ages and Stages Questionnaire), were recorded.Preliminary resultsBetween 2014 and 2018, 12 989 pregnant women were enrolled, and 2296 children completed the 3 years follow‐up. Among them, 115 pregnancies ended in stillbirth. Mean maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI was 21.1 kg/m2 and mean gestational weight gain was 13.5 kg 18.6% of mothers developed gestational diabetes and 1.5% of mothers were diagnosed with preeclampsia. Mean birthweight and birth length of children were, respectively, 3329 g and 49.4 cm.ConclusionWe built a prospective cohort in Southwest China, which can provide valuable data to investigate the relevance of nutrition for the health of mothers and children.

Exploring the Relationship Between Maternal Circulating Hormones and Gestational Weight Gain in Women Without Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundCentral homeostatic regulation of fat stores is attenuated during pregnancy, to allow for adequate fat deposition to support fetal development and lactation. What factors particular to pregnancy facilitate fat accumulation, and why gestational weight gain (GWG) is so variable, are not clear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between GWG and circulating hormones with known effects on appetite and growth.MethodsWomen without obesity (body mass index, BMI <30 kg/m2), with a healthy singleton pregnancy, were recruited at the time of delivery by elective Caesarean section at a tertiary obstetric hospital. Women with preterm (<37 weeks) delivery and smokers were excluded. Maternal blood was collected at the time of delivery for measurement of fasting oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin, insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. Comparisons were made between women who gained weight within the range recommended by Institute of Medicine guidelines for normal weight women (11.5–16 kg; n=34) and those who gained excessive weight (>16 kg; n=35) during pregnancy. Analysis of covariance was carried out using multiple linear regression to test the effect of GWG group on biochemical parameters, accounting for pre-pregnancy BMI.ResultsThe 69 participants had a mean age of 34.6 ± 4.3 years, and pre-pregnancy BMI of (23.3 ± 1.8 kg/m2), with no significant differences between groups in pre-pregnancy weight, BMI, age, birthweight or parity. Mean GWG was 14.0 ± 1.3 kg in the “recommended” group and 19.6 ± 3.2 kg in the “excessive” group. Leptin was significantly higher (43.4 ± 21.6 vs 33.4 ± 15.0 ng/mL, p=0.03) and prolactin tended to be lower (159.5 ± 66.1 vs 194.0 ± 85.6 ng/mL, p=0.07) at delivery in women with excessive (vs recommended) GWG. No other circulating factors were found to differ between groups. The between-group difference in leptin remained after adjustment for pre-pregnancy BMI in multiple linear regression and quantile regression analyses.ConclusionIn women without obesity, leptin remains a marker of adiposity during pregnancy. GWG was not associated with other circulating hormones with effects on appetite and growth.