IMAM GUIDE

1.2. DESIRABLE BIRTH WEIGHT AND GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN

Poor maternal weight gain during pregnancy is associated with poor pregnancy and fetal outcomes such as pre-clampsia, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, need for assisted delivery low birth weight, intra uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and preterm birth among others. Weight gain during pregnancy comprise of products of conception (fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluids), growth of various tissues (uterus, breasts) and increase in blood volume, extra cellular fluid and maternal fat stores. The desirable amount of weight is associated with optimal pregnancy outcomes such as reduced maternal mortality and pregnancy related complications during pregnancy, labour and delivery. It should also allow adequate postpartum body weight and lactation performance; as well as optimal outcome for the infant including adequate foetal growth and maturation, prevention of gestational and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

The WHO recommends that healthy, well-nourished women should gain 10 to 14 kg during pregnancy. That is an average of 12 kg during the 9 months, increases the probability of delivering full-term infants with an average birth weight of 3.3 kg. This also reduces the risk of foetal and maternal complications. Table 2 shows recommended weight gain in pregnancy.