Gestational weight gain and its association with birth outcomes among pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important determinant of maternal and neonatal outcomes. Both inadequate and excessive GWG are associated with adverse birth outcomes. Objectives were to assess GWG and examine its association with selected birth outcomes. Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted among 220 pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. GWG was classified as per institute of medicine guidelines and birth outcomes were analyzed. Results: Inadequate GWG was significantly associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery, while excessive GWG was associated with macrosomia and increased caesarean section rates. Conclusions: Suboptimal GWG is significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes.