Optimal gestational weight gain for body mass index categories.
OBJECTIVE
To establish optimal gestational weight gain for each maternal body mass index (BMI) category based on significant risk estimates of adverse maternal and fetal outcome.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 298,648 singleton pregnancies delivered in Sweden between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2004. The number of individuals in each weight gain class was compared with the number of individuals in all other weight gain classes in the same BMI group with regard to adverse maternal and fetal outcome. Odds ratios were calculated after suitable adjustments.


RESULTS
The optimal gestational weight gain in women by prepregnancy BMI was 9-22 lb (4-10 kg) for BMI less than 20; 5-22 lb (2-10 kg) for BMI 20-24.9; less than 20 lb (less than 9 kg) for BMI 25-29.9; and less than 13 lb (less than 6 kg) for BMI of 30 or more.


CONCLUSIONS
The gestational weight gain limits for BMI categories determined in this large population-based cohort study from Swedish Medical Registers showed that a decreased risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes was associated with lower gestational weight gain limits than was earlier recommended, especially among obese women.
Cedergren
Marie I
MI
Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. marie.cedergren@lio.se
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000592:standards*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*