Evidence-Based Eating Patterns and Behavior Changes to Limit Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• International guidelines recommend discussing gestational weight gain (GWG) and associated risks.
• Clinicians require evidence-based strategies for nutrition and activity during pregnancy.
• Prepregnancy obesity and excessive GWG pose significant health complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify safe and effective eating patterns and behaviors for managing GWG during pregnancy.
• To provide clinicians with evidence-based strategies to share with patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of research and systematic reviews from 2013-2023 in the US and Canada.
• Searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science using keywords: weight, manage, behavior, strategy, gestational weight gain, nutrition.
• Excluded studies on pediatric populations, restrictive diets, fasting, bariatric surgery, medications, or commercial programs.

Main Results:

• 103 full-text studies reviewed from 844 abstracts.
• Safe and effective behaviors for healthy GWG include: meal planning, home meal preparation, portion control.
• Dietary patterns like Mediterranean, low-glycemic index, and DASH diets are beneficial.
• Other strategies: regular physical activity, adequate sleep (6-7 hours), mindful/intuitive eating, regular self-weighing.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based strategies identified are safe for pregnancy.
• These strategies can help patients achieve healthy GWG.
• Adequate nutrition for fetal growth is maintained alongside weight management.