Weight status of women with gestational diabetes affects weight status in their children

This study investigated the effects of pre-pregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy of women with gestational diabetes on the weight status of their children.

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat that takes height and weight into account. It can be used to classify people by weight status. A BMI of 18.5-23.9 kg/m2 indicates normal weight. A BMI of 24–27.9 kg/m2 indicates overweight  and a BMI of 28 kg/m2 or greater indicates obesity.

Pre-pregnancy overweight  or obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG – weight gain during pregnancy) are associated with increased risks for mother and child. Such risks include macrosomia (high birth weight), large size of infants at birth and children becoming overweight. Gestational diabetes (GD) is a common complication of pregnancy. It has been associated with increased risk of childhood obesity.

The occurrence of obesity is increasing and excessive weight gain in young children has been associated with increased risk of obesity later in life. Hence it is important to determine factors which contribute to overweight/obesity in children.  

This study aimed to investigate whether a high pre-pregnancy or excessive GWG in women with GD was associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity in children aged 1-5.

1263 women with GD took part. They were asked about their pre-pregnancy weight, GWG and the weight and size of their child at birth. The women were grouped into pre-pregnancy BMI categories and GWG categories. The participants were then grouped by GWG status.

Excessive GWG was defined as  greater than 18 kg for low BMI women and greater than 16 kg for women with a normal BMI. Excessive GWG was defined as greater than 11.5 kg  for overweight women and greater than 9 kg for obese women. The children’s current weight, height and BMI were calculated.

In comparison to women with a low or nomal BMI pre-pregnancy, overweight had an 87% increased risk of large infant size at birth. Obese women were 2.98 times more likely to have a large infant at birth. Excessive GWG was associated with a 2.93 times higher risk. Overweight/obese status pre-pregnancy was also associated with a 2.06 – 2.89 times increased risk of macrosomia. Excessive GWG was associated with a 2.84 times increased risk.

In comparison to women with a low or nomal BMI pre-pregnancy, overweight/obese women were at a 26%-96% increased risk of having children aged 1-5 classed as overweight. Excessive GWG was associated with a 59% increased risk.

This study concluded that pre-pregnancy overweight or obese status and excessive gestational weight gain were associated with increased risk of large size at birth, macrosomia and overweight status in children aged 1-5.

The study participants may not have accurately recalled details of their pre-pregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy. 

Consult your doctor if you are overweight or obese and you are concerned about the outcomes of your pregnancy for you and your child.