Prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and pregnancy outcomes in China

Abstract

Objective: To look for associations between pregnancy outcomes and prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain among Han women from Shenyang province, China.

Method: A total of 2586 women were distributed across 4 prepregnancy categories according to the Chinese classification of body mass index, and to 4 end-of-pregnancy categories according to median weekly gestational weight gain.

Results: The risks for gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm premature rupture of membranes were higher for those who were overweight or obese before becoming pregnant (P<0.05). Moreover, a gestational weight gain of 0.50 kg per week or greater was associated with a higher risk for gestational hypertension, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and fetal macrosomia (P<0.05). Women in the highest quartile for weight gain (>or=0.59 kg per week) were at higher risk for pre-eclampsia (P<0.05).

Conclusion: A high prepregnancy body mass index and excessive gestational weight gain were associated with increased risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes.