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Correlation between gestational weight gain and birth weight of the infants

I Shrestha1, L Sunuwar, S Bhandary

  • 1Department of Physiology, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal. ira_stha2001@yahoo.com

Nepal Medical College Journal : NMCJ
|January 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Maternal gestational weight gain significantly impacts infant birth weight. Adequate weight gain during pregnancy is crucial for healthy infant development and may reduce risks of adult-onset diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Low birth weight is a risk factor for adult-onset diseases like type-2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
  • Maternal weight gain is a key predictor of infant birth weight.
  • Recommendations exist for maternal weight gain based on prepregnancy body mass index (BMI).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the total weight gained by pregnant women.
  • To determine the correlation between maternal weight gain and infant birth weight.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 98 women delivering full-term single infants at Patan hospital.
  • Data collected from hospital records and self-reported information on income, diet, birth spacing, and work.
  • Statistical analysis using Multiple Linear Regression Models and stepwise multiple regressions.

Main Results:

  • The mean maternal weight gain was 9.48 kg (SD = 3.41).
  • The mean infant birth weight was 2965.66 g (SD = 364.37).
  • Gestational weight gain and maternal age were identified as significant factors influencing infant birth weight.

Conclusions:

  • Gestational weight gain demonstrates a positive linear relationship with infant birth weight.
  • Ensuring appropriate gestational weight gain is vital for optimal infant birth weight.
  • Further research can explore the impact of other factors on birth outcomes.

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