Last Updated on December 19, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
In line with rising obesity rates worldwide, one-third of young women entering pregnancy are overweight or obese, posing a significant public health challenge. Obesity and being overweight during pregnancy can have an increased risk of complications for the newborns. Gestational diabetes, a common maternal complication, is strongly linked to obesity, affecting 10% of pregnant women. It is a significant health risk for women both during and after pregnancy. This article discusses the relationship between gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes. It also discusses how much weight you should gain if you have gestational diabetes and weight management strategies.
What is the relationship between gestational diabetes and maternal weight gain?
Maternal obesity is a growing problem around the world. It can have poor outcomes for both mother and child. Obese pregnant women are three to ten times more likely to develop diabetes than normal-weight women. Furthermore, the combination of obesity and GDM may increase the risk and complications for pregnant women. This is because skeletal muscle is important in the utilisation of glucose for energy production. Under normal physiological conditions, this is responsible for mediating 75% of all insulin-influenced glucose consumption, which is reduced in obese mothers.
How much weight can a pregnant woman gain if she has GDM?
Most pregnant women gain weight during their pregnancy, but there is no definitive guidance on how much they would gain. This is because every individual has a different body. Extra blood volume, placenta, growing baby, and the womb all contribute to maternal weight. Women who develop gestational diabetes gain more weight during their pregnancy over the course of 24 weeks. Pregnancy weight gain is a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes only in the women who are overweight or obese. It is not a risk factor among underweight women or those with normal BMI. Please do not attempt to lose weight by ‘dieting’, as this may be harmful to the baby. The healthcare team should keep track of both the mother and her baby’s weight. There are certain weight gain guidelines, which you can follow to maintain your weight.
- Underweight with a pre-pregnancy BMI of less than 18.5, the ideal weight gain for one child should be 12.7–18.14 kg, and for twins, it should be 17–25 kg.
- Normal weight with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5-24.9, the ideal weight gain for one child should be 11.33–15.87 kg, and for twins, it should be 16.8–24.5 kg.
- Overweight with a pre-pregnancy BMI of 18.5–24.9, the ideal weight gain for one child should be 6.80–11.33 kg, and for twins, it should be 14–22.7 kg.
- For obese women with a pre-pregnancy BMI greater than 30.0, the ideal weight gain for one child should be 5–9 kg; for twins, it should be 11.3–19 kg
How can I manage my weight during pregnancy with gestational diabetes?
First and foremost, be aware of the myth of ‘eating for two’. Even if you do not consume extra calories during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, the baby will grow normally. During the third trimester of pregnancy, you may need some extra calories every day. Eating a low-glycemic diet and staying active are the two main ways to manage weight and blood sugar levels while pregnant with gestational diabetes.
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