Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication during pregnancy. Despite the fact that GDM can be effectively managed with proper diet and weight management, the optimal amount of weight gain during pregnancy for women with GDM remains unclear. A study published in the journal Diabetes Care sought to determine the estimated optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) for pregnant women with GDM in China.
The study population consisted of 1,691 pregnant women with GDM who were enrolled at gestational weeks 8-13 and followed until delivery. Weight and other relevant data were collected at each antenatal visit. The main outcome measure was the proportion of women who achieved their target GWG range.
According to the study results, the estimated optimal GWG range for pregnant women with GDM was 11.0-15.4 kg. The majority of women (84.4%) were able to achieve their target GWG. Women who gained weight outside of the recommended range were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as large-for-gestational-age infants and Cesarean deliveries.
The study authors conclude that the majority of pregnant women with GDM in China are able to achieve the estimated optimal GWG. However, they caution that women who gain weight outside of the recommended range are at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Objective
To prospectively evaluate the association between estimated gestational weight gain (GWG) and adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in China.
Methods
A total of 3,103 pregnant women with GDM from 24 tertiary hospitals in China were included in this prospective cohort study. Estimated GWG was calculated by subtracting pre-pregnancy weight from self-reported weight at each antenatal visit. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were defined as any one of the following: macrosomia (birth weight ≥ 4,000 g), preterm birth (delivery at < 37 weeks' gestation), caesarean section (C-section), hyperemesis gravidarum, or preeclampsia. Results The mean estimated GWG was 14.3 kg. The prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was significantly higher in the high GWG group (≥ 16 kg) than in the moderate GWG group (12.5-15.9 kg) (41.3% vs. 32.8%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, pregnant women in the high GWG group were still at a significantly increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to those in the moderate GWG group (adjusted odds ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.10-1.88). Conclusions Our findings suggest that a moderate level of estimated GWG (12.5-15.9 kg) may be optimal for pregnant women with GDM in China.
