Optimal Weight Gain

Optimal birth weight and outcome are influenced by maternal weight gain. Low gestational weight gain is associated with poor fetal growth and risk of preterm delivery. Excessive weight gain affects infant growth, body fatness in childhood, and the potential for postpartum weight retention and future obesity. Guidelines from the Institute of Medicine recommend that a woman with a normal body mass index (BMI) of 19.8 to 26 should gain 11.5–16kg (25 to 351b). Women with a lower-than-normal BMI should gain slightly more, and those with a BMI greater than 26 should gain 5.9–11.5 kg (13 to 251b). Ideally, weight gain recommendations should be individualized to promote the best outcomes while reducing risk for excessive postpartum weight retention and reducing the risk of later chronic disease for the child and adult.