Weight gain restriction for obese pregnant women: a case-control intervention study.
OBJECTIVE
To minimise obese women's total weight gain during pregnancy to less than 7 kg and to investigate the delivery and neonatal outcome.


METHODS
A prospective case-control intervention study.


METHODS
Antenatal care clinics in the southeast region of Sweden.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-five pregnant women in an index group and one hundred ninety-three women in a control group.


METHODS
An intervention programme with weekly motivational talks and aqua aerobic classes for obese pregnant women.


METHODS
Weight gain in kilograms, delivery and neonatal outcome.


RESULTS
The index group had a significantly lower weight gain during pregnancy compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The women in the index group weighed less at the postnatal check-up compared with the weight registered in early pregnancy (P < 0.001). The percentage of women in the index group who gained less than 7 kg was greater than that of women in the control group who gained less than 7 kg (P= 0.003). The percentage of nulliparous women in this group was greater than that in the control group (P= 0.018). In addition, the women in the index group had a significantly lower body mass index at the postnatal check-up, compared with the control group (P < 0.001). There were no differences between the index group and the control group regarding birthweight, gestational age and mode of delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention programme was effective in controlling weight gain during pregnancy and did not affect delivery or neonatal outcome.
Claesson
I-M
IM
Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Sweden.
Sydsjö
G
G
Brynhildsen
J
J
Cedergren
M
M
Jeppsson
A
A
Nyström
F
F
Sydsjö
A
A
Josefsson
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*