Weight gain trajectories patterns from pregnancy to early postpartum: identifying women at risk and timing to prevent weight regain

Abstract

Background Woman's weight changes during pregnancy and postpartum contribute to obesity and health outcomes later in life. This study aimed to identify and characterize weight change trajectories from pregnancy to one year postpartum among adult women. Methods We used data from an ongoing cohort of healthy adult women (n = 819) with singleton pregnancies from 2007 – 2011. Sociodemographic data, pre-pregnancy body weight, and sedentary and breastfeeding practices were collected using questionaries applied by trained professionals. We applied a group-based trajectory modeling to distinguish weight change measured in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at one month, six, and 12 months postpartum. Multinomial regression models were run to characterize each trajectory. Results We identified six weight change trajectories with the main difference in the patterns followed after one month of delivery. One in three women (36.7%) was classified in some of the three postpartum weight gain trajectories and regained weight from the second trimester of the first year postpartum. Women who followed some of these trajectories were more likely to have higher age, obesity before pregnancy, < 10 years of schooling, and partner, compared with women (10.7%, n = 87) in a postpartum sustained-fast-lost-weight trajectory (p < 0.05). Conclusions Women with obesity before pregnancy have higher odds of regaining gestational weight after delivery without reaching their pre-pregnancy weight. The first six months postpartum are crucial to establishing obesity prevention strategies. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of the interventions that prevent substantial weight gain through reproductive years in high-risk women.

Weight Categories, Trajectories, Eating Behavior, and Metabolic Consequences during Pregnancy and Postpartum in Women with GDM

“…In a study analyzing weight trajectories in women without GDM, WOW or WOB had higher odds of initial weight loss followed by slight regain [ 52 ]. Other studies in women without GDM also showed higher odds of weight gain in the postpartum for WOW or WOB [ 53 , 54 ]. The observation of different postpartum weight changes raises the question of a different plasticity to perinatal weight fluctuations and a higher capacity to lose weight in the postpartum in women with lower BMI before pregnancy.…”

Pregnancy and postpartum dynamics revealed by millions of lab tests

“…Postpartum, these tests show recovery over months. The prolonged recovery of these tests is possibly due to the mother's adipose tissue stores that decrease over weeks, and breastfeeding that affects lipids metabolism 86,87 . (Fig 12)…”

Cluster Analysis on the Mental Health States in a Community Sample of Young Women During Pre-Pregnancy, Pregnancy, or the Postpartum Period

“…During pregnancy, women suffer from anticipating the pain of vaginal delivery and worry about sudden emergent situation requiring operation and worsening of the baby health state [ 2 - 5 ]. In addition, pregnant women experience an excessive weight increase and cutaneous skin change [ 6 , 7 ]. Physical or psychosocial changes after delivery can cause a lot of stress and difficulties in adaptation [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…[2][3][4][5] In addition, pregnant women experience an excessive weight increase and cutaneous skin change. 6,7 Physical or psychosocial changes after delivery can cause a lot of stress and difficulties in adaptation. 7,8 Many women during the postpartum undergo the feeling of decreased women attractiveness or beauty.…”

“…6,7 Physical or psychosocial changes after delivery can cause a lot of stress and difficulties in adaptation. 7,8 Many women during the postpartum undergo the feeling of decreased women attractiveness or beauty. 9 Also, women have difficulties in coping with a new baby and parenting or caring infancy.…”