Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2005 Oct;48(10):2307-2312.

The influence of maternal weight gain to birth weight

• Kim HY
• Kim YJ
• Choi EK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Birth weight of the newborns is the major factor affecting maternal, childhood mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of maternal weight gain and Body Mass Index (BMI) gain by trimester of pregnancy on birth weight of newborns.
METHODS
The data of 73 women who delivered at our institute from March 2004 to June 2004 were analyzed. Maternal weight gain and BMI gain during pregnancy was calculated. Statistical analysis was done.
RESULTS
The standardized woman in 1.6 m height had total 12.5 kg weight gain during pregnancy. The BMI was calculated. Women with total BMI gain over 4.88 were grouped in over BMI group. The BMI gain by trimester and gestational age of pregnancy were analyzed. Maternal BMI gain in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy influences more strongly newborns' weight than does in the 1st or 2nd trimester.
CONCLUSION
We considered that maternal BMI gain during each trimester of pregnancy was a marker of newborns' weight gain.

Keyword

Birth weight; Maternal weight gain; BMI; Pregnancy

MeSH Terms

Birth Weight*
Body Mass Index
Female
Gestational Age
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Mortality
Parturition*
Pregnancy
Weight Gain*