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01-10-2015

The Pattern of Gestational Weight Gain is Associated with Changes in Maternal Body Composition and Neonatal Size

Authors: Elizabeth M. Widen, Pam R. Factor-Litvak, Dympna Gallagher, Anne Paxton, Richard N. Pierson Jr., Steven B. Heymsfield, Sally A. Lederman

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 10/2015

Abstract

Objectives

The pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) reflects general nutrient availability to support growing fetal and maternal compartments and may contribute to later health, but how it relates to changes in maternal body composition is unknown. We evaluated how the pattern of GWG related to changes in maternal body composition during pregnancy and infant size at birth.

Methods

A prospective, multi-ethnic cohort of 156 pregnant women and their infants was studied in New York City. Prenatal weights were used to estimate total and rate (kg/week) of GWG by trimester. Linear regression models evaluated the association between trimester-specific GWG group (low, medium, high GWG) [total (low ≤25, high ≥75 percentile) or rate (defined by tertiles)] and infant weight, length and maternal body composition changes from 14 to 37 weeks, adjusting for covariates.

Results

Compared to the low gain group, medium/high rate of GWG in the second trimester and high rate of GWG in the third trimester were associated with larger gains in maternal fat mass (β range for fat Δ = 2.86–5.29 kg, all p < 0.01). For infant outcomes, high rate of GWG in the second trimester was associated with higher birth weight (β = 356 g, p = 0.001) and length (β = 0.85 cm, p = 0.002). First and third trimester GWG were not associated with neonatal size.

Conclusions

The trimester specific pattern and rate of GWG reflect changes in maternal body fat and body water, and are associated with neonatal size, which supports the importance of monitoring trimester-specific GWG.

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Title: The Pattern of Gestational Weight Gain is Associated with Changes in Maternal Body Composition and Neonatal Size
Authors: Elizabeth M. Widen
Pam R. Factor-Litvak
Dympna Gallagher
Anne Paxton
Richard N. Pierson Jr.
Steven B. Heymsfield
Sally A. Lederman
Publication date: 01-10-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 10/2015
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1747-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The Pattern of Gestational Weight Gain is Associated with Changes in Maternal Body Composition and Neonatal Size

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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