Maternal outcomes associated with weight change between pregnancies

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Inter-pregnancy weight change is a significant factor in maternal health.
• Previous research has explored links between weight and pregnancy complications, but inter-pregnancy weight change requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between weight change between pregnancies and adverse outcomes.
• Specific outcomes examined include cesarean section, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study design was employed, analyzing data from Nova Scotia residents.
• Included were women with at least two singleton deliveries between 1988 and 1996.
• Weight change was calculated as the difference in pre-pregnancy weights between consecutive pregnancies.

Main Results:

• The study included 19,932 women.
• Women with the highest inter-pregnancy weight gain showed a significantly increased risk of gestational diabetes (RR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.22-2.08).
• This association remained significant after adjusting for pre-pregnancy weight and other confounders; no significant associations were found for cesarean delivery or pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Inter-pregnancy weight gain is an independent risk factor for gestational diabetes.
• Managing weight between pregnancies is crucial for preventing gestational diabetes.