Excessive weight gain during pregnancy and risk of macrosomia: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the relation between excessive gestational weight gain and macrosomia.

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis by searching PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library for English-language literature from inception to 1 October 2014. Studies assessing the relationship between excessive gestational weight gain and macrosomia were included. Characteristics including study design, country, sample size, definition of macrosomia, adjusted odds ratios, CIs and adjustment factors were extracted independently by two reviewers. Summary odds ratios were calculated by using a random-effects model meta-analysis.

Results: 15 relevant articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. Incorporated by random-effect model before the heterogeneity tests, the value of OR was 2.35 (95 % CI: 1.95, 2.85). Stratified analysis showed no differences regarding different study design, definition of macrosomia and location of study. There was no indication of a publication bias either from the result of Egger's test (P = 0.572) or Begg's test (P = 0.572).

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicated that excessive gestational weight gain might increase the risk of macrosomia.

Keywords: Case–control study; Cohort study; Gestational weight gain; Macrosomia; Meta-analysis.