Weight gain during pregnancy: an update on current challenges and practical considerations

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Gestational weight gain (GWG) is crucial for fetal development but excessive gain is linked to adverse outcomes.
• Nearly 50% of women experience excessive GWG, yet precise quantification is challenging.
• Lack of global consensus on recommended GWG guidelines complicates weight management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on weight management during pregnancy.
• To explore challenges in assessing GWG and practical considerations.
• To highlight the need for standardized GWG assessment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on weight management in pregnancy.
• Analysis of challenges in measuring pre-pregnancy and intrapartum weight.
• Examination of existing and developing GWG guidelines.

Main Results:

• Significant variability exists in GWG measurement due to reliance on estimated or self-recalled weights.
• Conflicting results from interventions targeting excessive GWG impact adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Absence of UK and Ireland GWG guidelines, per NICE, indicates evidence gaps.

Conclusions:

• Accurate GWG assessment is hindered by practical measurement issues and lack of standardized guidelines.
• Developing global GWG standards by the WHO may provide a uniform approach.
• Reintroduction of routine weighing could improve GWG assessment and management.