Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J. Buckley

Proven risks of above recommended weight gain include increased risk of c-section delivery, and excessive postpartum weight retention (Rasmussen).

Only a few risks are positively corroborated among the available existing studies. Based on a compilation and review of available research on the topic, the relationship specifically between gestational weight gain and birth outcomes is small (Rasmussen). In a sample of 7002 women with positive birth outcomes, data shows sixty percent gained weight in patterns labeled high risk during the prenatal period, yet all had positive outcomes (Carmichael). Alleged risks to the mother include hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and excess postpartum weight.ĭespite the risks noted in current recommendations, the majority of women continue to gain outside the recommended amounts. When a woman gains more than the recommended amounts, presented risks include LGA (large for gestational age) babies, fetal macrosomia, shoulder dystocia and blood glucose effects of gestational diabetes. Presented risks of gaining less than the recommended amount are SGA (small for gestational age) babies, pre-term labor, and problems with breastfeeding. Applying weight gain parameters such as these offers providers a measurable variable with which to evaluate pregnancy during the prenatal period.ĪCOG makes these recommendations in an effort to help women avoid the assumed risks of too little or too much weight gain and excessive postpartum weight. Typically, underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese women are instructed to gain 28-40 lbs, 25-35 lbs, 15-25 lbs, and 11-20 lbs respectively (ACOG). However, they do adjust the guidelines to accommodate the unique needs of mothers of multiples. They make no differentiation for a woman’s ethnic background, age, or parity. Emphasis on adequate nutrition throughout the childbearing years, with particular attention to the increased nutrient needs during pregnancy proves to be of greater importance than encouraging maternal weight gain to fit within prescribed parameters.Ĭurrently ACOG recommends a set of weight gain parameters based on self reported pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index). On the contrary, many women gain above the recommended limits and have positive birth experiences and healthy babies.

This failure of most women to meet the guidelines, many gaining more than the recommended amount, has not resulted in predictably poor birth outcomes from the excessive weight gain. Though weight gain guidelines in pregnancy have been recommended by obstetric providers for years, less than thirty percent of women currently meet the given standards (Carmichael).

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J. Buckley