Pregnancy complications and birth outcomes in obese and normal-weight women: effects of gestational weight change

Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Mar;87(3):389-94. doi: 10.1016/0029-7844(95)00446-7.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the pregnancy course and outcomes in obese and normal-weight women and their associations with gestational weight change.

Methods: Multivariate logistic regression described the relation of weight change to pregnancy course and outcomes in a retrospective study of 683 obese and 660 normal-weight women who delivered singleton living neonates.

Results: Compared with normal-weight women, obese women gained an average of 5 kg (11 lb) less during pregnancy and were more likely to lose or gain no weight (11% versus less than 1%). Obese women were significantly more likely to have pregnancy complications, but the incidence of complications was not associated with weight change. Compared with obese women who gained 7-11.5 kg (15-25 lb), obese women who lost or gained no weight were at higher risk for delivery of infants under 3000 g or small for gestational age infants, and those who gained more than 16 kg (35 lb) were at twice the risk for delivery of infants who were 4000 g or heavier.

Conclusion: Gestational weight change was not associated with pregnancy complications in obese or normal-weight women. To optimize fetal growth, weight gains of 7-11.5 kg (15-25 lb) for obese women and 11.5-16 kg (25-35 lb) for normal-weight women appear to be appropriate.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Birth Weight
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Weight Gain*