Human Environments Analysis Lab (HEAL)
Title
Factors that influence excessive gestational weight gain: Moving beyond assessment and counselling
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2016
Journal
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
Volume
29
Issue
21
First Page
3527
Last Page
3531
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2015.1137894
Abstract
One in four Canadian adults is obese, and more women are entering pregnancy with a higher body mass index (BMI) than in the past. Pregnant women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications than women of normal weight. Gestational weight gain (GWG) is also associated with childhood obesity. Although the factors influencing weight gain during pregnancy are multifaceted, little is known about the social inequality of GWG. This review will address some of the socioeconomic factors and maternal characteristics influencing weight gain and the impact that excessive GWG has on health outcomes such as post-partum weight retention. The effects of an overweight or obese pre-pregnancy BMI on GWG and neonatal outcomes will also be addressed. The timing of weight gain is also important, as recommendations now include trimester-specific guidelines. While not conclusive, preliminary evidence suggests that excessive weight gain during the first trimester is most detrimental.
Notes
Also available open access in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine at: https://doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2015.1137894