A systematic review of outcomes of maternal weight gain according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations: birthweight, fetal growth, and postpartum weight retention.

Full Abstract

This systematic review focuses on outcomes of gestational weight gain, specifically birthweight, fetal growth, and postpartum weight retention, for singleton pregnancies with respect to the 1990 Institute of Medicine weight gain recommendations. A total of 35 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. There was strong evidence to support associations between excessive gestational weight gain and increased birthweight and fetal growth (large for gestational age) as well as inadequate gestational weight gain and decreased birthweight and fetal growth (small for gestational age). There was moderate evidence to support the association between excessive gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention. Clear clinical recommendations based on this review are challenging because of several limitations in the literature. Improvements in future research include the use of consistent definitions of gestational weight gain and outcomes of interest, assessment of confounders, and better collection of weight and weight gain data.

Author information

Author/s: Siega-Riz, Anna Maria (AM); Viswanathan, Meera (M); Moos, Merry-K (MK); Deierlein, Andrea (A); Mumford, Sunni (S); Knaack, Julie (J); Thieda, Patricia (P); Lux, Linda J (LJ); Lohr, Kathleen N (KN);

Affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Grants: 290-02-0016 (Agency:PHS HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Review

Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 201 (issue 4) : pp 339.e1-14

Dates: Created 2009/09/30; Completed 2009/10/22;

PMID: 19788965, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/22/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.