Gestational weight gain and body mass index in Asian Indian women: Impact of timing and amount on fetomaternal outcomes.

Background: The aim of the study was to describe pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), total gestational weight gain (TGWG), and trimester-specific gestational weight gain (TSGWG) among Asian Indians and examine their association with adverse fetomaternal outcomes (AFMO).

Methods: Using a prospective cohort study design, 557 pregnant women were recruited in the first trimester and followed up until delivery. Maternal BMI, TGWG and TSGWG were assessed and categorised according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Asia Pacific BMI guidelines and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations, respectively. Maternal clinical characteristics and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were assessed to predict AFMO. Logistic regression models in univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The median BMI was 23.5 kg/m. Moreover, 24.6% were overweight and 31.2% were obese, according to WHO Asia Pacific BMI cut points. The mean TGWG was 10.8 ± 1.9 kg and the mean TSGWG in the first, second and third trimesters were 1.7 ± 0.7 kg, 4.3 ± 1.1 kg and 4.8 ± 1.2 kg, respectively. We found a significant association of BMI, TGWG and TSGWG with various AFMO. Furthermore, excess third-trimester GWG has been demonstrated as a predictor of adverse maternal outcomes like hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions: Our study reinforces the importance of optimal BMI and TGWG and further emphasises on assessment of TSGWG, which allows for early diagnosis of weight deviations, when prompt interventions can still improve pregnancy outcomes. We also suggest the adoption of BMI categories and GWG recommendations, specific to the socio-demographic characteristics of the population, to optimise the prevention, early diagnosis, and timely management of AFMO.