BackgroundBoth obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus are increasing in prevalence, being a major health problem in pregnancy with independent and additive impact on obstetrics outcomes. It is recognized that inadequate gestational weight gain is an independent risk factor for pregnancy-related morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gestational weight gain on obstetric and neonatal outcomes in obese women with gestational diabetes.MethodsRetrospective multicenter study of obese women with gestational diabetes. The assessed group was divided into three categories: women who gained below (<5 kg), within (5–9 kg) and above (>9 kg) the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared and adjusted odds ratios calculated controlling for confounders.ResultsOnly 35,1 % of obese women with gestational diabetes (n = 634) achieved the recommended gestational weight gain; 27,8 % (n = 502) gained below and 37,1 % (n = 670) above the recommendations. There was a positive correlation between gestational weight gain and neonatal birthweight (r = 0,225; p < 0,001). Gestational weight gain below recommendations was associated with lower odds for cesarean section, even adjusting for birthweight [aOR = 0,67 (0,54–0,85); p < 0,001]; lower odds for large for gestational age neonates [aOR = 0,39 (0,28–0,57); p < 0,001] and macrosomia [aOR = 0,34 (0,21–0,55); p < 0,001]. Excessive weight gain, even adjusting for birthweight, was associated with higher odds for cesarean section [aOR = 1,31 (1,07–1,61); p = 0,009], low Apgar score [aOR = 4,79 (1,19–19,21); p = 0,027], large for gestational age neonates [aOR = 2,32 (1,76–3,04); p < 0,001] and macrosomia [aOR = 2,39 (1,68–3,38); p < 0,001].ConclusionsIn obese women with gestational diabetes, a reduced gestational weight gain (<5 kg) is associated with better obstetric and neonatal outcomes than an excessive or even an adequate weight gain. Therefore, specific recommendations should be created since gestational weight gain could be a modifiable risk factor for adverse obstetric outcomes.

Although almost 35% of women did not achieve adequate glycemic control with metformin, insulin supplementation was not associated with poor neonatal outcomes. Higher age, higher pre-pregnancy BMI and earlier introduction of metformin could be used as predictors of poor response to metformin.

Persistent post-partum glucose metabolism disorders are frequent in women with GDM and associated with lower maternal educational level. Interventions aimed at this risk group may contribute towards a decrease in prevalence of post-partum glucose metabolism disorders.

In Portugal, the rate of hysterectomies decreased in the last 15 years with an increase in age at the time of the procedure and a change towards less invasive routes. Uterine fibroids remain the major indication for hysterectomy. Additionally, we noted a significant shift towards more concomitant bilateral salpingectomy (and less bilateral adnexectomy) during hysterectomy for benign indications, according to the evidence suggesting the fallopian tube as the origin of ovarian cancer.

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