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08:49
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Published on: June 6, 2020
Effect of maternal weight on postterm delivery
D R Halloran1, Y W Cheng, T C Wall
1Department of Pediatrics, St Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. dhallor2@slu.edu
Summary
Higher prepregnancy weight and excessive gestational weight gain increase the risk of postterm delivery. Managing weight gain within recommended ranges can reduce this risk for all women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Postterm delivery, defined as delivery at or beyond 41 or 42 weeks gestation, is associated with increased perinatal risks.
- Maternal prepregnancy weight and gestational weight gain are modifiable factors that may influence pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal gestational weight gain with the incidence of postterm delivery.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 375,003 term, singleton births.
- Multivariable analyses were performed to assess the relationship between prepregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and postterm delivery rates.
Main Results:
- Increasing prepregnancy weight and gestational weight gain were significantly associated with higher rates of postterm delivery (P<0.001 for both).
- Underweight women had a lower risk of postterm delivery compared to normal weight women with recommended weight gain.
- Overweight and obese women, particularly those gaining weight above recommendations, faced an elevated risk of delivering at 41 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Elevated prepregnancy weight and excessive gestational weight gain are independent risk factors for postterm delivery.
- Adhering to recommended gestational weight gain ranges can mitigate the risk of postterm pregnancy across different prepregnancy BMI categories.
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