Trimester-Specific and Total Gestational Weight Gain in Two Consecutive Pregnancies.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Gestational weight gain (GWG) is crucial for maternal and infant health.
• Understanding weight changes between pregnancies is vital for optimizing maternal health outcomes.
• Previous studies have explored GWG in single pregnancies, but consecutive pregnancy dynamics require further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trimester-specific and total GWG in consecutive pregnancies.
• To identify maternal determinants of interpregnancy weight change (IPWC).
• To investigate risk factors for excessive GWG in a second pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records.
• Inclusion criteria: women with two consecutive term infant deliveries between 2001 and 2017.
• Statistical analysis to identify determinants and risk factors.

Main Results:

• Weight gain trajectories varied between the first and second pregnancies, with reduced gain in the second and third trimesters of the second pregnancy.
• Excessive GWG occurred in 53% of first and 41% of second pregnancies, more common with higher pre-pregnancy BMI.
• 55% of women experienced IPWC; determinants included pre-first pregnancy BMI, first-trimester/total GWG in the first pregnancy, and interpregnancy interval.

Conclusions:

• Weight gain patterns exhibit significant differences between consecutive pregnancies.
• First pregnancy GWG is a critical predictor of IPWC and subsequent GWG.
• Maternal BMI, prior GWG, and interpregnancy interval influence weight management across pregnancies.