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Gestational Weight Gain is associated with Postpartum Weight Retention and Infant Anthropometrics
Author(s) -
Begum Fatheema,
Colman Ian,
McCargar Linda,
Bell Rhonda C
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.374.1
Subject(s) - weight gain , medicine , obstetrics , overweight , pregnancy , anthropometry , birth weight , gestational age , gestation , body mass index , obesity , body weight , biology , genetics
Optimal gestational weight gain is essential for healthy pregnancy outcomes. The study objective is to describe the association between gestational weight gain and early postpartum weight retention, and infant anthropometrics at birth and 3 months. Pregnant women (n=600) were followed up 2–3 times during pregnancy and at 3 months postpartum. Data on maternal weight at pre‐pregnancy, during pregnancy and postpartum were collected. Women were categorized as, “Below”, “Met” or “Above” based on the 2010 Gestational Weight Gain Guidelines. Infant birthweight and weight and length at 3 months were available. Age and sex specific z‐scores were calculated for birthweight and infant anthropometrics at 3 months. Data were analysed using regression. Over 55% women gained above recommended guidelines. Overweight (OR = 5.5, p <0.001) and obese (OR = 6.5, p <0.001) women were more likely to gain excess weight when compared to normal weight women. In comparison to adequate gestational weight gain, excessive weight gain was associated with higher postpartum weight retention (ß = −3.03, p <0.001), birthweight z‐scores (ß = 0.34, p <0.01), infant weight for age z‐score (ß = 0.40, p <0.01), and infant BMI z‐score (ß = 0.55, p <0.05). Excessive gestational weight gain promotes obesity in mothers and higher weights in infants. Interventions that optimize weight gain may significantly affect the long‐term health of women and children. Grant Funding Source : Alberta Innovates ‐ Health Solutions