Prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and pregnancy outcomes in China

Objective

To look for associations between pregnancy outcomes and prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain among Han women from Shenyang province, China.

Method

A total of 2586 women were distributed across 4 prepregnancy categories according to the Chinese classification of body mass index, and to 4 end-of-pregnancy categories according to median weekly gestational weight gain.

Results

The risks for gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm premature rupture of membranes were higher for those who were overweight or obese before becoming pregnant (P < 0.05). Moreover, a gestational weight gain of 0.50 kg per week or greater was associated with a higher risk for gestational hypertension, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and fetal macrosomia (P < 0.05). Women in the highest quartile for weight gain (≥ 0.59 kg per week) were at higher risk for pre-eclampsia (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A high prepregnancy body mass index and excessive gestational weight gain were associated with increased risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes.