A randomized controlled trial of daily weighing in pregnancy to control gestational weight gain

Excessive gestational weight gain is a modifiable risk factor for the development of obstetric and neonatal complications, and can have a lifelong impact on the health of both mother and offspring. The purpose of this study was to assess whether in addition to standardized medical advice regarding weight gain in pregnancy (including adherence to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines) (IOM (Institute of Medicine) and NRC (National Research Council, Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Re-examining the guidelines, 2009)), the addition of daily weighing would provide a low cost and simple intervention to reduce excessive weight gain in pregnancy by maintaining weight gain within the target range.

Women presenting for antenatal care to a secondary level hospital were randomised to routine care or daily weight monitoring. Both groups received nutrition and exercise advice.

Three hundred and ninety-six women were randomised to either the daily weight monitoring group or control group with complete data available for 326 women. The percentage weight gain above target (86.9% (SD 52.3) v 92.7% (SD 50.8) p = 0.31) and change in weight per week during the study period (0.59 kg (SD 0.30) v 0.63 kg (SD 0.31) p = 0.22) were lesser in those undergoing daily weighing compared to routine management, however these did not reach statistical significance.

Daily weight monitoring as a stand-alone intervention has potential to reduce excessive gestational weight gain. It may have a role as a part of a larger intervention involving dietary and exercise modifications.

The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. (ACTRN12613001165774, 23/10/ 2013).