Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
Antonakou A.; *Papoutsis D.; Kechagia A.
Citation:
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology; 2017; vol. 44 (no. 4); p. 540-544
Abstract:
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the gestational weight gain of more than 12 kg represented a risk factor for an increased rate of cesarean section (CS) delivery, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective case series study performed in a Greek National Health Service hospital and included women having given birth to singleton pregnancies between 2004-2009. Cases with multiple pregnancies, stillbirths, and congenital fetal abnormalities were excluded. Results: 600 eligible women were included in the study. Gestational weight increase correlated positively and was higher in women with a CS delivery, gestational diabetes, and PIH. The prepregnancy body mass index was identified as a predictor of gestational diabetes. The weight gain of less than 12 kg during pregnancy provided a protective effect against CS delivery by reducing the likelihood of this by 85%. Conclusion: The present authors have shown that the increased body weight gain during pregnancy of more than 12 kg is associated with increased rates of CS delivery, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.