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Am J Perinatol 2010; 27(4): 333-338
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243304
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Excessive Weight Gain among Obese Women and Pregnancy Outcomes

Amy A. Flick1 , Kathleen F. Brookfield1 , Lesley de la Torre1 , Carmen Maria Tudela1 , Lunthita Duthely1 , Víctor Hugo González-Quintero1
  • 1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Miller University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Publication History

Publication Date:
10 December 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We evaluated pregnancy outcomes in obese women with excessive weight gain during pregnancy. A retrospective study was performed on all obese women. Outcomes included rates of preeclampsia (PEC), gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery (CD), preterm delivery, low birth weight, very low birth weight, macrosomia, 5-minute Apgar score of <7, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and were stratified by body mass index (BMI) groups class I (BMI 30 to 35.9 kg/m2), class II (36 to 39.9 kg/m2), and class III (≥40 kg/m2). Gestational weight change was abstracted from the mother's medical chart and was divided into four categories: weight loss, weight gain of up to 14.9 pounds, weight gain of 15 to 24.9 pounds, and weight gain of more than 25 pounds. A total 20,823 obese women were eligible for the study. Univariate analysis revealed higher rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, Cesarean deliveries, preterm deliveries, low birth weight, macrosomia, and NICU admission in class II and class III obese women when compared with class I women. When different patterns of weight gain were used as in the logistic regression model, rates of PEC and CD were increased. Excessive weight gain among obese women is associated with adverse outcomes with a higher risk as BMI increases.

KEYWORDS

Obesity - pregnancy outcomes - weight gain during pregnancy

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Víctor H González-QuinteroM.D. M.P.H. 

Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Miller University of Miami School of Medicine, University of Miami

P.O. Box 016960 (R-136) Miami, FL 33101, reprints are not available from the author.

Email: vhgonzalezq@gmail.com