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Association between gestational weight gain and behavioral problems of the offspring aged 6-7 years: A

Shuhei Terada1, Aya Isumi2, Satomi Doi2

  • 1Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.

International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
|February 10, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Low gestational weight gain (GWG) under 7 kg may increase behavioral problems in children. Conversely, GWG over 14 kg may protect against prosocial behavior issues.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Developmental psychology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a critical factor influencing maternal and child health outcomes.
  • Understanding the impact of GWG on child behavioral development is essential for early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) thresholds associated with behavioral problems and prosocial behavior in children aged 6–7 years.
  • To investigate the relationship between varying levels of GWG and child behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty study (n=11,048).
  • Gestational weight gain (GWG) data obtained from clinical records; child behavior assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire.
  • Logistic regression models with restricted cubic splines analyzed the association between GWG and behavioral outcomes, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • A reverse J-shaped association was observed between GWG and total difficulties, with GWG < 7 kg increasing risk (OR 1.20).
  • High GWG (> 14 kg) was linked to a reduced risk of prosocial behavior problems (OR 0.77).
  • GWG > 14 kg did not significantly increase the risk of total difficulties, and GWG < 7 kg did not significantly impact prosocial behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Gestational weight gain (GWG) below 7 kg may be a risk factor for increased behavioral difficulties in 6- to 7-year-old children.
  • Gestational weight gain (GWG) exceeding 14 kg may offer a protective effect on prosocial behavior in early childhood.
Abstract

Keywords:
behavioral problemsmaternal factorsprosocial behaviorschoolchildren

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