Correlation between excessive early pregnancy weight gain & risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

To study the correlation between excessive early pregnancy weight gain and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus and its complications. Methods This is a prospective observational study conducted in pregnant women attending antenatal outpatient Department in ESIC Medical College – PGIMSR ,K.K. Nagar,Chennai-78. Maternal weight gain from prepregnancy (self-reported) to 14 weeks of gestation was measured, and expected gestational weight gain was determined using the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines. Excessive early pregnancy weight gain was defined as gestational weight gain greater than the upper range of the IOM guidelines for first trimester(>2kg). Risk of developing GDM, and its maternal and neonatal complications were estimated and compared between women with excessive early pregnancy weight gain and non excessive early pregnancy weight gain (within or below IOM guidelines). Results A total of 250 women were studied. 104 women developed GDM. Excessive early pregnancy weight gain occurred in 88 (35.2%) women.Out of 104 women with GDM ,62 (59.6%) women with excessive early pregnancy weight gain and 42 (40%) with normal weight gain developed GDM with significant ‘p’ ≤ .0001 . Out of 146 women 26 (17.8%) with excessive early pregnancy weight gain ,did not develop GDM. Risk of GDM, maternal and neonatal complications were higher in women with excessive early pregnancy weight gain especially in the first trimester. Conclusions Our study population showed, excessive early pregnancy weight gain especially in the first trimester is associated with risk of developing GDM, and its related maternal and neonatal complications. Excessive GWG can be represented as a modifiable risk factor.Lifestyle and dietary modifications can prevent GDM and its related complications.This costless early intervention can make healthy future generation.