Achieving a healthy weight gain during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• The 1990 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines provide a framework for recommended gestational weight gain (GWG).
• Understanding the impact of GWG on maternal and infant health is crucial for optimizing pregnancy outcomes.
• Disparities in GWG adherence exist, with significant portions of the population gaining outside recommended ranges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between GWG and various health outcomes for mother and infant.
• To assess adherence to the 1990 IOM GWG recommendations in U.S. and European populations.
• To identify factors influencing GWG and the efficacy of interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies examining GWG in relation to birth outcomes, pregnancy complications, and maternal health.
• Analysis of data from U.S. and European populations.
• Evaluation of intervention studies targeting GWG.

Main Results:

• GWG within IOM recommendations is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes.
• Very obese women may benefit from GWG below the standard recommendation.
• Approximately 60-67% of U.S. women gain outside IOM recommendations, with excessive gain being more common than inadequate gain.
• Interventions show effectiveness in modifying GWG, particularly in specific populations.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to IOM GWG recommendations is suboptimal in the U.S. and is linked to better health outcomes.
• Targeted interventions can effectively influence GWG, especially in at-risk populations.
• Future research should focus on refining GWG recommendations and improving adherence for diverse maternal populations.