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The association of inadequate mid-pregnancy weight gain and preterm birth in twin pregnancies

Journal of Perinatology volume 35, pages 85–89 (2015)Cite this article

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Abstract

Objective:

To determine whether inadequate gestational weight gain in the second trimester in twin pregnancies is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) at <32 weeks.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study including 489 twin pregnancies delivered between 2001 and 2013. Rates of weight gain at different gestational ages were compared with Institute of Medicine guidelines.

Result:

An inadequate rate of weight gain at <20 weeks was not associated with PTB. Patients with inadequate rates of weight gain at 20 to 28 weeks had a higher risk of PTB at <32 weeks (37.6%) compared to those with adequate weight gain (15.2%) (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, women with inadequate weight gain at 20 to 28 weeks were 2.8 times more likely to deliver at <32 weeks (95% confidence interval 1.65 to 4.81).

Conclusion:

Inadequate gestational weight gain at 20 to 28 weeks in twin pregnancies was the strongest predictor of PTB at <32 weeks. This represents an optimal time for interventions to improve weight gain and potentially decrease rates of PTB.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego Health System, San Diego, CA, USA,

    K E Pettit, D Y Lacoursiere, D B Schrimmer, H Alblewi, T R Moore & G A Ramos

Authors
  1. K E Pettit
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  2. D Y Lacoursiere
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  3. D B Schrimmer
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  4. H Alblewi
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  5. T R Moore
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  6. G A Ramos
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Correspondence to K E Pettit.

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Pettit, K., Lacoursiere, D., Schrimmer, D. et al. The association of inadequate mid-pregnancy weight gain and preterm birth in twin pregnancies. J Perinatol 35, 85–89 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2014.160

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2014.160

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