Effect of Maternal Weight Gain on Neonatal Birth Weight and Pregnancy Outcomes in Normal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index

Abstract

Objective:To compare neonatal birth weight, incidence of large for gestational age (LGA), macrosomia and pregnancy outcomes between excessive and normal maternal weight gain in singleton pregnancies with normal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 320 singleton pregnancies was analyzed (160 per group). Labour records of singleton pregnant women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI who delivered at Khon Kaen Hospital between 1st August and 30th November 2013 were reviewed. Neonatal birth weight, pregnancy outcomes such as shoulder dystocia, uterine atony and birth trauma between two groups were analyzed.Results:The mean neonatal birth weight in the excessive weight gain group was significantly greater than in the control group (3,295 ± 468 g and 3,127 ± 375 g, p < 0.01). Infants with LGA in excessive weight gain group was significantly more than in control group (22.5% and 12.5%, p = 0.02, adjusted RR = 2.5 (95% CI 1.17 - 3.98)). The adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes such as shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia and birth trauma were not significant different between two groups.Conclusion:Excessive maternal weight gain in pregnant women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI women was associated with neonatal birth weight and influence LGA.

Keywords

• Excessive maternal weight gain
• Normal pre-pregnancy body mass index
• Pregnancy outcomes