Gestational Weight Gain Influences Neonatal Outcomes in Women With Obesity and Gestational Diabetes
Abstract Background. Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated to increased risk of perinatal complications and obesity in the offspring. However, the impact of gestational weight gain (GWG) on maternal and fetal outcomes has led to controversial results. Research design and methods. Retrospective study of 220 women with GDM and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Pregnant women were classified according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations regarding prior BMI and GWG. We evaluated the impact of GWG on birth weight and perinatal outcomes. Results. Mean maternal age was 34.7±5.3 years. Pre-pregnancy obesity was classified as grade I in 55.3% of cases, grade II in 32.0%, and grade III in 12.7%. GWG was adequate (5-9kg) in 24.2%, insufficient (< 5kg) in 41.8% and excessive (> 9kg) in 34.2%. Birthweight was within normal range in 81.9%, 3.6% were small for gestational age (SGA) and 14.4% were large for gestational age (LGA). Insufficient GWG was associated to a higher rate of SGA offspring, excessive GWG was associated to LGA and adequate GWG to normal birth weight. Conclusion. GWG in women with pre-pregnancy obesity and GDM impacts neonatal birthweight. Insufficient GWG is associated to SGA and excessive GWG is associated to LGA. Women with adequate GWG according to IOM guidelines obtained better perinatal outcomes.