Optimizing maternal weight gain to improve neonatal Health: A nationwide birth cohort analysis in Taiwan

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yi-Yu Su, Ci-Di Chen, M. Chen, Ching-Chun Lin, H. Chiou, Wu-Shiun Hsieh, Hsi Chang, Chung‐Ming Chen, Pau-Chung Chen
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2025.12.012
Cited by: 2
References: 30

Abstract

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a modifiable factor influencing maternal and neonatal health. Current GWG guidelines, largely derived from Western populations, may not align with the physiological and sociodemographic characteristics of Asian women. This study examined the associations between GWG and pregnancy outcomes across pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories in a nationally representative Taiwanese cohort. We analyzed 18,970 full-term singleton mother–infant pairs from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study. GWG was calculated from self-reported pre-pregnancy and delivery weights. BMI was classified using Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare standards: underweight (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gestational Diabetes Research and Management Birth Development and Health Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
125
Issue
10
Pages
1258–1265
Publication date
7 January 2026
Language
EN