Effect of second trimester and third trimester weight gain on immediate outcomes in neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes: a retrospective observational study from India

Aim: To evaluate the effect of second trimester and third trimester rate of weight gain on immediate outcomes in neonates born to mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Method and material: This retrospective observational study enrolled 593 eligible mothers. The records of all pregnant women booked before 24 weeks and screened for diabetes were eligible if they were diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) anytime during pregnancy. All the necessary maternal and neonatal details were collected from hospital database. The rate of weight gain was calculated at 18-24 weeks, 28-30 weeks, and that before delivery. The enrolled women were categorized into: poor weight gain, normal weight gain, and increased weight. Results and discussion: The mean birth weight, length, and head circumference of neonates were significantly lower in women who had poor rate of weight gain in comparison with normal weight gain group. The mean prepregnancy BMI was significantly high in women with increased rate of weight gain when compared to normal weight gain women in second and third trimester. Regression analysis done to evaluate the independent effect of weight gain on C section and neonatal complications, showed that the independent predictors for cesarean section were previous cesarean section or 12.5 (95% CI 6.7-23) and conception by assisted reproductive technologies or 1.75 (95% CI 1.01-4.3), and the neonatal complications were influenced by birth weight or 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.2) and weight gain during second trimester or 1.26 (95% CI 1-1.6). Conclusion: In women with GDM, reduced weight gain during pregnancy is associated with small for gestational age neonates. Caesarean section is predicted by previous C-section, and mode of conception whereas neonatal complications were predicted by birth weight and maternal weight gain during second trimester.