The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of gestational weight gain
with child adiposity.
Using multivariable regression, we studied associations of total gestational weight
gain and weight gain according to 1990 Institute of Medicine guidelines with child
outcomes among 1044 mother-child pairs in Project Viva.
Greater weight gain was associated with higher child body mass index z-score (0.13
units per 5 kg [95% CI, 0.08, 0.19]), sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses
(0.26 mm [95% CI, 0.02, 0.51]), and systolic blood pressure (0.60 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.06,
1.13]). Compared with inadequate weight gain (0.17 units [95% CI, 0.01, 0.33]), women
with adequate or excessive weight gain had children with higher body mass index z-scores
(0.47 [95% CI, 0.37, 0.57] and 0.52 [95% CI, 0.44, 0.61], respectively) and risk of
overweight (odds ratios, 3.77 [95% CI: 1.38, 10.27] and 4.35 [95% CI: 1.69, 11.24]).
New recommendations for gestational weight gain may be required in this era of epidemic
obesity.