Exploring Gestational Weight Gain and Its Relationship with Stillbirth Risk

One in five women in the U.S. have a BMI of 30 or more at the START of pregnancy. Around 1 in 5 women gain more than 40 pounds during pregnancy, which is more than any woman should gain. Only about one-third of women gain the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can increase the risk of HDP, GDM, fetal macrosomia, and can cause complications of birth, such as shoulder dystocia or preterm birth. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can also increase the likelihood of postpartum weight retention. But what about stillbirth risk? Does excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy increase still birth risk? The ACOG recommends antepartum fetal surveillance based on pre-pregnancy BMI. Why is maternal weight during pregnancy not an indication for an antepartum fetal surveillance? The data may surprise you! Listen in for details.