Gestational Weight Gain and Postpartum Weight Retention in a Cohort of Nova Scotian Women

Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) may predispose mothers to becoming overweight or obese. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between GWG, according to the American Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, and postpartum weight retention (PPWR). A cohort of 12,875 women from Nova Scotia, Canada with at least two consecutively recorded pregnancies was identified through a population-based perinatal database between 1993 and 2010. GWG was calculated as the difference between delivery and prepregnancy weights. PPWR, analyzed as a continuous variable in linear regression models, was calculated via interpregnancy weight change. Fifty eight percent of the total study population gained in excess of the IOM guidelines. Mean PPWR, adjusted for age and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) among women with excess GWG was 5.0 kg (95 % CI 4.9–5.2), greater than women with adequate (2.1 kg, 95 % CI 1.8–2.3) or inadequate GWG (0.3 kg, 95 % CI 0–0.7). Effect modification by prepregnancy BMI was observed; the relationship between excess GWG and increased PPWR was observed in all prepregnancy BMI categories, yet was greatest among underweight women (7.5 kg, 95 % CI 6.6–8.3). Effect modification by parity was also observed; in contrast to multiparous women, primiparous women who gained in excess of GWG guidelines retained more postpartum weight (5.3 kg, 95 % CI 5.1–5.5 vs. 4.3 kg, 95 % CI 4.0–4.7). This study demonstrates that excess GWG is associated with an increase in the amount of weight retained after pregnancy. Interventions targeted to promote optimal GWG are warranted.     

Modifiable Determinants of Postpartum Weight Loss in Women with Obesity: A Secondary Analysis of the UPBEAT Trial

Pregnancy can alter a woman’s weight gain trajectory across the life course and contribute to the development of obesity through retention of weight gained during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify modifiable determinants associated with postpartum weight retention (PPWR; calculated by the difference in pre-pregnancy and 6 month postpartum weight) in 667 women with obesity from the UPBEAT study. We examined the relationship between PPWR and reported glycaemic load, energy intake, and smoking status in pregnancy, excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), mode of delivery, self-reported postpartum physical activity (low, moderate, and high), and mode of infant feeding (breast, formula, and mixed). At the 6 month visit, 48% (n = 320) of women were at or above pre-pregnancy weight. Overall, PPWR was negative (−0.06 kg (−42.0, 40.4)). Breastfeeding for ≥4 months, moderate or high levels of physical activity, and GWG ≤9 kg were associated with negative PPWR. These three determinants were combined to provide a modifiable factor score (range 0–3); for each added variable, a further reduction in PPWR of 3.0 kg (95% confidence interval 3.76, 2.25) occurred compared to women with no modifiable factors. This study identified three additive determinants of PPWR loss. These provide modifiable targets during pregnancy and the postnatal period to enable women with obesity to return to their pre-pregnancy weight.     

Racial-ethnic differences in pregnancy-related weight

This review examines published literature to answer 2 questions: 1) Are there racial-ethnic differences in excessive or inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention (PPWR)? and 2) Is there evidence that approaches to promote healthy weight during and after pregnancy should vary by race-ethnicity? We identified a limited number of articles that explicitly looked at racial-ethnic differences in either GWG or PPWR after controlling for relevant covariates. These studies suggest that black and Hispanic women are more likely to gain inadequately based on the Institute of Medicine’s pregnancy weight gain guidelines compared to white women. Black women are more likely to retain considerable amounts of weight postpartum compared to both Hispanic and white mothers. Studies were inconclusive as to whether Hispanic women retained more or less weight postpartum, so more research is needed. Interventions to increase GWG were few and those designed to reduce GWG and PPWR showed mixed results. Future studies should address the methodological and conceptual limitations of prior research as well as investigate biological mechanisms and behavioral risk factors to determine the reasons for the racial-ethnic differences in pregnancy-related weight outcomes. Interventions would benefit from a mixed-methods approach that specifically identifies race-relevant barriers to weight management during and after pregnancy. Attention to the greater social context in which pregnancy-related weight exists is also needed.     

Racial differences in gestational weight gain and pregnancy-related hypertension

PurposeThe aim of the study was to examine racial differences in gestational weight gain (GWG) and pregnancy-related hypertension.MethodsLogistic regression models tested racial differences in adequacy of GWG and pregnancy-induced hypertension in all singleton live births from the South Carolina 2004–2006 birth certificates.ResultsCompared with white women, black and Hispanic women had 16%–46% lower odds of gaining weight above the recommendations. However, the odds of inadequate GWG was ∼50% higher in black and Hispanic women with a pregnancy body mass index (BMI) less than 25 kg/m². Furthermore, compared with women with adequate GWG, women with excessive GWG had higher odds of pregnancy-related hypertension (underweight: 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.66, 3.32]; normal: 2.05, 95% CI [1.84, 2.27]; overweight: 1.93, 95% CI [1.64, 2.27]; obese: 1.46, 95% CI [1.30, 1.63]). Among women with a BMI less than 25 kg/m², black women had higher odds of pregnancy-related hypertension than white women (underweight: 1.64, 95% CI [1.14, 2.36]; normal weight: 1.28, 95% CI [1.15, 1.42]), whereas among women with a BMI less than 25 kg/m², Hispanic women had 40% lower odds.ConclusionsPrograms are needed to curb excessive GWG in all racial groups and to help some sub-groups ensure adequate GWG. Maternal obesity and GWG are two factors that should be used in combination to reduce racial differences in pregnancy-related hypertension.     

Perinatal weight and risk of prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms

PurposePrepregnancy obesity and weight changes accompanying pregnancy (gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention) may be associated with risk of maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and in the postpartum. The few studies that have examined these relationships report conflicting findings.MethodsWe studied pregnant (n = 2112) and postpartum (n = 1686) women enrolled in Project Viva. We used self-reported prepregnancy and postpartum weight and measured prenatal weight to calculate prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and postpartum weight retention at 6 months after birth. We assessed elevated depressive symptoms (EDS) with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (≥13 on 0–30 scale) at midpregnancy and 6 months postpartum. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of prenatal and postpartum EDS in relation to prepregnancy BMI, GWG, and postpartum weight retention.ResultsA total of 214 (10%) participants experienced prenatal EDS and 151 (9%) postpartum EDS. Neither prepregnancy BMI nor GWG was associated with prenatal EDS. Prepregnancy obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg per m²) was associated with higher odds of postpartum EDS (odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.83) compared to normal prepregnancy weight in a model adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, nativity, education, marital status, household income, parity, pregnancy intention, and smoking.ConclusionsPrepregnancy obesity is associated with elevated depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. Given the current obesity epidemic in the US and the consequences of perinatal depression, additional prevention and screening efforts in this population may be warranted.     

Assessing the Risk of Having Small for Gestational Age Newborns Among Lebanese Underweight and Normal Pre-pregnancy Weight Women

Introduction It has been established that underweight women with low gestational weight gain (GWG) are at a higher risk of having Small for Gestational Age (SGA) newborns. However, the association remains poorly studied in Middle Eastern societies exhibiting different ethnic groups, genetic predisposing factors along with differences in nutritional food intake during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of having a SGA newborn among underweight and normal weight BMI women while studying the role of GWG in this association. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 62,351 singleton pregnancies from the National Collaborative Perinatal Neonatal Network between 2001 and 2009 from 27 hospitals across Lebanon. Women who had underweight and normal pre-pregnancy BMI were included. Results A total of 8.6% newborns were SGA and 6.6% of women were underweight. Among women with normal and underweight pre-pregnancy BMI, 8.6 and 12.4% had SGA births respectively. Overall, the adjusted OR of having SGA newborns was significantly higher among underweight women (OR = 1.448; 95%CI = 1.287–1.630) compared to normal pre-pregnancy BMI. Below normal weight gain significantly increased the odds of SGA for both normal and underweight pre-pregnancy BMI women, with adjusted ORs of 1.535 (95% CI = 1.418–1.661) and 1.970 (95%CI = 1.515–2.560) respectively. Discussion Higher risks of SGA newborns in underweight and normal BMI women with low GWG were observed. In addition, normal weight gain couldn’t protect underweight women of having risk for SGA newborns. Hence, all pregnant women should be encouraged to maintain healthy BMI before pregnancy and attain adequate GWG.     

孕前体质指数及孕期增重对新生儿出生体重影响的前瞻性队列研究

  目的   分析孕妇孕前体质指数(body mass index, BMI)及孕期增重(gestational weight gain, GWG)与新生儿出生体重的关联性, 并探究孕妇孕前及孕中体重动态变化对新生儿低出生体重(low birth weight, LBW)及巨大儿的影响。   方法   收集中国孕产妇队列·协和纳入的孕早期孕妇孕前体重, 并随访至分娩后, 收集分娩前体重及新生儿出生结局。将孕妇孕前BMI分为低体重组、正常体重组及超重/肥胖组, 将GWG分为适宜、不足及过多组。采用多因素多分类(多项)Logistic回归分析模型探讨孕前BMI及GWG与新生儿出生体重的关系。   结果   孕前BMI及GWG与子代出生体重相关(均有P < 0.05)。孕前超重/肥胖(OR=2.339, 95% CI:1.674~2.282, P < 0.001)、GWG过多(OR=1.398, 95% CI:1.188~1.978, P=0.048)显示为巨大儿的危险因素, GWG不足(OR=1.479, 95% CI:1.461~1.679, P=0.035)显示为LBW的危险因素, GWG过多会降低LBW的发生风险(OR=0.428, 95% CI:0.225~0.817, P=0.010)。低BMI-GWG不足(OR=1.335, 95% CI:1.048~2.319, P=0.048)是LBW的危险因素; 正常BMI-GWG过多(OR=1.088, 95% CI:1.016~1.675, P=0.038)和超重/肥胖-GWG过多(OR=1.498, 95% CI:1.244~2.017, P=0.046)是巨大儿的危险因素。   结论   孕前BMI及GWG是影响新生儿出生体重的重要因素, 提示女性应合理控制孕前及孕中体重变化。     

孕前 BMI、孕期体重增加与新生儿出生体重关系探讨

目的：探讨孕前不同体重指数（BMI）妇女孕期体重增加与新生儿出生体重的关系。方法回顾性分析2013年7—12月在北京市海淀区妇幼保健院建档、产前检查并分娩的单胎足月孕产妇资料,包括年龄、身高和孕前体重,分娩前体重,分娩孕周及新生儿出生体重等指标。结果4927例孕妇孕期平均体重增加（16.5±4.3）kg,胎儿出生体重平均为（3402.3±381.8）g,剖宫产率为34.7％。孕妇体重增加过多组、适中组和不足组的比例分别为32.9％、53.3％和13.8％,孕前不同 BMI 各组体重增长差异有统计学意义,随着孕前 BMI 增加,孕期增重数值呈下降趋势,组间差异有统计学意义。孕期体重增加与胎儿出生体重呈正相关（r ＝0.26）。分娩适宜胎龄儿3933例,孕前低体重组、孕前正常体重组、孕前超重组和肥胖组孕期增重适宜范围分别为14.0～19.0 kg、14.0～19.0 kg、11.5～17.0 kg 和8.0～16.5 kg,超过美国 IOM推荐范围,孕期体重增加的中位数（P50）分别为17.0 kg、16.0 kg、14.0和12.0 kg,孕期体重平均增加15.0kg（P50）。结论孕前 BMI、孕期孕妇体重增加与新生儿出生体重相关,孕期体重增加超过 IOM推荐范围,做好孕期体重管理势在必行。     

Association Between Gestational Weight Gain According to Body Mass Index and Postpartum Weight in a Large Cohort of Danish Women

Our aim was to investigate the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum weight retention (PWR) in pre-pregnancy underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese women, with emphasis on the American Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations. We performed secondary analyses on data based on questionnaires from 1,898 women from the “Smoke-free Newborn Study” conducted 1996–1999 at Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark. Relationship between GWG and PWR was examined according to BMI as a continuous variable and in four groups. Association between PWR and GWG according to IOM recommendations was tested by linear regression analysis and the association between PWR ≥ 5 kg (11 lbs) and GWG by logistic regression analysis. Mean GWG and mean PWR were constant for all BMI units until 26–27 kg/m². After this cut-off mean GWG and mean PWR decreased with increasing BMI. Nearly 40% of normal weight, 60% of overweight and 50% of obese women gained more than recommended during pregnancy. For normal weight and overweight women with GWG above recommendations the OR of gaining ≥ 5 kg (11 lbs) 1-year postpartum was 2.8 (95% CI 2.0–4.0) and 2.8 (95% CI 1.3–6.2, respectively) compared to women with GWG within recommendations. GWG above IOM recommendations significantly increases normal weight, overweight and obese women’s risk of retaining weight 1 year after delivery. Health personnel face a challenge in prenatal counseling as 40–60% of these women gain more weight than recommended for their BMI. As GWG is potentially modifiable, our study should be followed by intervention studies focusing on GW.     

母亲孕前体质指数及孕期增重与学龄前儿童超重肥胖的关系研究

目的 探讨母亲孕前BMI及孕期增重与学龄前儿童超重肥胖的关系。方法 2016年6-11月,以广州市4 303名3~5岁学龄前儿童为研究对象,根据WHO标准和中国成人肥胖标准分别判断儿童和母亲孕前体重状态,参照美国医学研究所孕期增重推荐值判断母亲孕期增重情况。应用多因素二分类非条件logistic回归模型和协方差分析母亲孕前BMI和孕期增重与学龄前儿童超重肥胖的关系。结果 矫正混杂因素后,logistic回归分析显示,母亲孕前超重肥胖的儿童发生超重肥胖的风险是母亲孕前体重正常儿童的1.820倍（OR=1.820,95% CI：1.368~2.422）;与母亲孕期增重适宜的儿童相比,母亲孕期增重过度的儿童超重肥胖发生风险增加（OR=1.296,95% CI：1.007~1.667）。协方差分析结果也显示,母亲孕前体重超重肥胖和母亲孕期增重过度均增加儿童BMI Z值。根据母亲孕前BMI分为3组进行分层分析,结果显示,不同孕期增重组间儿童超重肥胖发生风险差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。但与母亲孕前BMI适宜且孕期增重适宜组相比,母亲孕前超重肥胖且孕期增重过度组的儿童发生超重肥胖的风险增加（OR=1.574,95% CI：1.029~2.409）。结论 母亲孕前超重和孕期增重过度均增加学龄前儿童超重肥胖的风险,且母亲孕前超重较孕期增重过度对学龄前儿童超重肥胖发生的影响更大。     

Combined associations of prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with the outcome of pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Although both maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) may affect birth weight, their separate and joint associations with complications of pregnancy and delivery and with postpartum weight retention are unclear. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the combined associations of prepregnancy BMI and GWG with pregnancy outcomes and to evaluate the trade-offs between mother and infant for different weight gains. DESIGN: Data for 60892 term pregnancies in the Danish National Birth Cohort were linked to birth and hospital discharge registers. Self-reported total GWG was categorized as low (<10 kg), medium (10-15 kg), high (16-19 kg), or very high (>or=20 kg). Adjusted associations of prepregnancy BMI and GWG with outcomes of interest were estimated by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: High and very high GWG added to the associations of high prepregnancy BMI with cesarean delivery and were strongly associated with high postpartum weight retention. Moreover, greater weight gains and high maternal BMI decreased the risk of growth restriction and increased the risk of the infant's being born large-for-gestational-age or with a low Apgar score. Generally, low GWG was advantageous for the mother, but it increased the risk of having a small baby, particularly for underweight women. CONCLUSIONS: Heavier women may benefit from avoiding high and very high GWG, which brings only a slight increase in the risk of growth restriction for the infant. High weight gain in underweight women does not appear to have deleterious consequences for them or their infants, but they may want to avoid low GWG to prevent having a small baby.     

Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight loss among U.S. women

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding on maternal weight loss in the 12 months postpartum among U.S. women.MethodsUsing data from a national cohort of U.S. women conducted in 2005–2007 (N = 2102), we employed propensity scores to match women who breastfed exclusively and non-exclusive for at least three months to comparison women who had not breastfed or breastfed for less than three months. Outcomes included postpartum weight loss at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum; and the probability of returning to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) category and the probability of returning to pre-pregnancy weight.ResultsCompared to women who did not breastfeed or breastfed non-exclusively, exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3 months resulted in 3.2 pound (95% CI: 1.4,4.7) greater weight loss at 12 months postpartum, a 6.0-percentage-point increase (95% CI: 2.3,9.7) in the probability of returning to the same or lower BMI category postpartum; and a 6.1-percentage-point increase (95% CI: 1.0,11.3) in the probability of returning to pre-pregnancy weight or lower postpartum. Non-exclusive breastfeeding did not significantly affect any outcomes.ConclusionOur study provides evidence that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three months has a small effect on postpartum weight loss among U.S. women.     

Postpartum Weight Change in Relation to Pre-Pregnancy Weight and Gestational Weight Gain in Women in Low-Income Setting: Data from the KITE Cohort in the Northern Part of Ethiopia

(1) Background: Postpartum weight may increase compared to pre-pregnancy due to weight retention or decrease due to weight loss. Both changes could pose deleterious effects on maternal health and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess postpartum weight change and its associated factors. (2) Methods: A total of 585 women from the KIlte-Awlaelo Tigray Ethiopia (KITE) cohort were included in the analysis. (3) Results: The mean pre-pregnancy body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy were 19.7 kg/m² and 10.8 kg, respectively. At 18 to 24 months postpartum, the weight change ranged from −3.2 to 5.5 kg (mean = 0.42 kg [SD = 1.5]). In addition, 17.8% of women shifted to normal weight and 5.1% to underweight compared to the pre-pregnancy period. A unit increase in weight during pregnancy was associated with higher weight change (β = 0.56 kg, 95% CI [0.52, 0.60]) and increased probability to achieve normal weight (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI [1.37, 2.00]). Food insecurity (AOR = 5.26, 95% CI [1.68, 16.50]), however, was associated with a shift to underweight postpartum. Interestingly, high symptoms of distress (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI [0.03, 0.48]) also negatively impacted a change in weight category. (4) Conclusions: In low-income settings such as northern Ethiopia, higher weight gain and better mental health during pregnancy may help women achieve a better nutritional status after pregnancy and before a possible subsequent pregnancy.     

Gestational Weight Gain and Overweight in Children Aged 3–6 Years

Objective

To determine whether gestational weight gain (GWG) was associated with increased odds of childhood overweight after accounting for pre-pregnancy BMI.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study based on a premarital and perinatal health care system in China, data of 100 612 mother-child pairs were obtained. The main exposure was GWG as both a continuous and categorical variable. The outcome measure was overweight, defined by age- and sex-specific cutoff values for body mass index (BMI) in children aged 3–6 years.

Results

A 1-kg increase in maternal GWG was associated with an increase of 0.009 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.007–0.010, P < 0.001) in children’s mean BMI; in the subgroup of pre-pregnancy overweight/obese mothers, the increase in children’s BMI was 0.028 (95% CI, 0.017–0.039, P < 0.001). Excessive GWG played an important role in childhood overweight when adequate GWG was used as the reference, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.12–1.29). The risk was highest (OR 2.22; 95% CI, 1.79–2.76) in the children of mothers who were overweight/obese before pregnancy and gained excessive weight during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Greater maternal GWG was associated with greater offspring BMI, and the risk of overweight was doubled in children whose mothers were overweight/obese before pregnancy and gained excessive weight during pregnancy. As a result, maintenance of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy and prophylaxis of maternal overweight/obesity before pregnancy should be a strategy for preventing childhood overweight/obesity.Key words: cohort study, gestational weight gain, childhood overweight, birth weight, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI     

The effect of body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain on adverse obstetrical outcomes in pregnancies following assisted reproductive technology as compared to spontaneously conceived pregnancies

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and inappropriate gestational weight gain (GWG) on adverse obstetrical outcomes among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments as compared to spontaneously-conceived (SC) pregnancies.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 1058 pregnant women from two medical centres; 504 women who conceived following ART treatments and 554 who conceived spontaneously. The women were recruited at 8 weeks of gestation and follow-up telephone interviews were conducted 6 weeks after delivery. Obstetrical outcomes included pregnancy hypertension, gestational diabetes (GD), low birth weight (LBW) (<2500 g) and small for gestational age (SGA). Multivariate analyses were used to assess the effect of pre-pregnancy BMI and inappropriate GWG on these obstetrical outcomes adjusted for risk factors.ResultsThe effect of pre-pregnancy BMI and inappropriate GWG on adverse obstetrical outcomes did not differ between ART and SC pregnancies. Pre-pregnancy obesity was found to be associated with increased risk for pregnancy hypertension (OR = 2.16; 95%CI 1.16–4.03), GD (OR = 2.89; 95%CI 1.61–5.17), caesarian section (OR = 1.77; 95%CI 1.10–2.85) and SGA (OR = 1.91; 95%CI 1.05–3.46). GWG below recommendations was associated with increased risk for GD (OR = 1.73; 95%CI 1.06–2.82) and SGA (OR = 1.69; 95%CI 1.17–2.40) while GWG above recommendations was associated with increased risk for pregnancy hypertension (OR = 1.77; 95%CI 1.02–3.06).ConclusionsPre-pregnancy obesity and inappropriate GWG were associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes in both ART and SC pregnancies. Emphasis should be given on the importance of an optimal pre-pregnancy BMI and appropriate GWG during pregnancy.     

产妇久坐行为对产后一年体重滞留影响的研究

目的 分析孕妇产后久坐行为对产后体重滞留的情况及其影响因素。方法 2012年5月至2013年8月在合肥市妇幼保健所收集1 220名产后42 d产妇建立基线资料,从该市孕产妇信息管理系统获取孕前体重及分娩信息,分别于产后3、6、9、12个月随访,观察产妇久坐时间等指标,采用重复测量资料的方差分析和混合效应模型分析产妇久坐与体重滞留的关系。结果1 220名产妇最终追踪到有效数据者1 141名。该研究人群孕前体重为(53.22±6.88)kg,产后42 d和3、6、9、12个月的体重(kg)滞留分别为7.85±5.11、7.51±5.40、5.79±5.18、4.42±4.91、3.26±4.65。重复测量资料方差分析结果显示,孕妇产后不同时间段体重滞留的差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);混合效应模型显示,分步调整孕前BMI、哺乳方式、分娩方式等混杂因素后,产妇久坐行为与产后体重滞留间的差异有统计学意义(P<0.001),逐步调整混杂因素后显示混合效应模型结果稳定。结论 产妇久坐是影响产后体重滞留重要因素之一。     

Smoking status and maternal weight trajectories during pregnancy and postpartum: Preliminary results from a pilot study

ObjectiveTo preliminarily examine throughout pregnancy and 12 months postpartum: 1) the critical timings of abnormal gestational weight gain (GWG) among quitters and non-quitters; 2) the consequences of abnormal GWG on weight retention during postpartum; 3) the potential difference in GWG by timing of quitting (early vs. late).MethodsWe included 59 pregnant smokers (49 quitters and 10 non-quitters) from two clinical pilot studies. Smoking status and weight were repeatedly measured throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Weight trajectories were analyzed using mixed models with smoking cessation status, pregnancy week or postpartum month, their interaction term, and potential confounders.ResultsAt enrollment, mothers had a mean BMI of 28.7 (SD, 7.2) and mean age of 30.1 years (SD, 5.8). Both groups had a linear increase in GWG, but quitters had a much higher rate of GWG (0.87 vs. 0.22 pounds/week) than non-quitters throughout pregnancy. Before delivery, 63.3% of quitters and 20.0% of non-quitters had excessive total GWG, while 12.2% of quitters and 60.0% of non-quitters had inadequate total GWG (p-value=0.004). Early quitters (<21 weeks) had a higher risk of excessive GWG (85.0%) than late quitters (≥21 weeks, 36.4%) (p-value=0.026). After delivery, quitters’ weight remained stable following a rapid weight loss, whereas non-quitters’ weight increased continuously.ConclusionsNon-quitters have a high risk of inadequate GWG, while quitters, especially early quitters, have a high risk of excessive GWG. The group difference in weight trajectories lasted from conception to postpartum.     

Pre-Pregnancy Weight Status Is Associated with Diet Quality and Nutritional Biomarkers during Pregnancy

Although the positive association between pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity with excessive gestational weight gain is well known, it is not clear how pre-pregnancy weight status is associated with gestational weight gain through maternal diet during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between pre-pregnancy weight status and diet quality and maternal nutritional biomarkers during pregnancy. Our study included 795 U.S. pregnant women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2012. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and height. The cutoff points of <18.5 (underweight), 18.5–24.9 (normal), 25.0–29.9 (overweight), and 30 kg/m² (obese) were used to categorize pregnant women’s weight status. Diet quality during pregnancy was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 based on a 24-h recall. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). For all pregnant women included in this study, the mean HEI-2010 (±standard error of the mean (SEM)) was 50.7 (±0.9). Women with obese pre-pregnancy BMI demonstrated significantly lower HEI-2010 compared to those with underweight and normal pre-pregnancy BMI, respectively. In an unadjusted model, women with pre-pregnancy obesity BMI had increased odds for being in the lowest tertile of HEI-2010 (33.4 ± 0.5) compared to those with underweight pre-pregnancy BMI (OR 5.0; 95% CI 2.2–11.4). The inverse association between pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity status and diet quality during pregnancy persisted even after we controlled for physical activity levels (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.8; 95% CI 1.2–11.7, AOR 5.4; 95% CI 2.0–14.5, respectively). Serum folate concentration (ng/mL) was significantly higher in underweight women compared to overweight women (23.4 ± 1.7 vs. 17.0 ± 0.8, p < 0.05). Serum iron concentration (ng/dL) was significantly higher in normal weight women compared to overweight women (86.2 ± 5.0 vs. 68.9 ± 3.0, p < 0.05). An inverse association was found between pre-pregnancy weight status and diet quality and maternal nutritional biomarkers during pregnancy. Poor diet quality as measured by HEI-2010 was shown among overweight and obese women. Nutrition education and interventions need to be targeted to those women entering pregnancy as overweight and obese.     

Trimester of Maternal Gestational Weight Gain and Offspring Body Weight at Birth and Age Five

To investigate associations of trimester-specific GWG with fetal birth size and BMI at age 5?years. We examined 3,015 singleton births to women without pregnancy complications from the Child Health and Development Studies prospective cohort with measured weights during pregnancy. We used multivariable regression to examine the associations between total and trimester gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth weight for gestational age and child BMI outcomes, adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and smoking; paternal overweight, gestational age, and infant sex. We explored differences in associations by maternal BMI and infant sex. GWG in all trimesters was significantly and independently associated with birth weight with associations stronger, though not significantly, in the second trimester. First trimester GWG was associated with child BMI outcomes (OR for child overweight?=?1.05; 95% CI?=?1.02, 1.09). Each kg of first trimester GWG was significantly associated with increased child BMI z-score in women of low (???=?0.099; 95% CI?=?0.034, 0.163) and normal (???=?0.028; 95% CI?=?0.012, 0.044), but not high pre-pregnancy BMI. GWG in all trimesters was associated with birth weight; only first trimester GWG was associated with child BMI. If replicated, this information could help specify recommendations for maternal GWG and elucidate mechanisms connecting GWG to child BMI.     

Ethnic Differences in Gestational Weight Gain: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Norway

Objectives To explore ethnic differences in gestational weight gain (GWG). Methods This was a population-based cohort study conducted in primary care child health clinics in Groruddalen, Oslo, Norway. Participants were healthy pregnant women (n = 632) categorised to six ethnic groups (43 % were Western European women, the reference group). Body weight was measured at 15 and 28 weeks’ gestation on average. Data on pre-pregnancy weight and total GWG until delivery were self-reported. The main method of analysis was linear regression adjusting for age, weeks’ gestation, pre-pregnancy body mass index, education and severe nausea. Results No ethnic differences were observed in GWG by 15 weeks’ gestation. By 28 weeks’ gestation, Eastern European women had gained 2.71 kg (95 % confidence interval, CI 1.10–4.33) and Middle Eastern women 1.32 kg (95 % CI 0.14–2.50) more weight on average than the Western European women in the fully adjusted model. Among Eastern European women, the total adjusted GWG was 3.47 kg (95 % CI 1.33–5.61) above the reference group. Other ethnic groups (South Asian, East Asian and African) did not differ from the reference group. When including non-smokers (n = 522) only, observed between-group differences increased and Middle Eastern women gained more weight than the reference group by all time points. Conclusions Eastern European and Middle Eastern women had higher GWG on average than Western European women, especially among the non-smokers. Although prevention of excessive GWG is important for all pregnant women, these ethnic groups might need special attention during pregnancy.