OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of gestational weight gain with child adiposity.

STUDY DESIGN:

Using multivariable regression, we studied associations of total gestational weight gain and weight gain according to 1990 Institute of Medicine guidelines with child outcomes among 1044 mother-child pairs in Project Viva.

RESULTS:

Greater weight gain was associated with higher child body mass index z-score (0.13 units per 5 kg [95% CI, 0.08, 0.19]), sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses (0.26 mm [95% CI, 0.02, 0.51]), and systolic blood pressure (0.60 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.06, 1.13]). Compared with inadequate weight gain (0.17 units [95% CI, 0.01, 0.33]), women with adequate or excessive weight gain had children with higher body mass index z-scores (0.47 [95% CI, 0.37, 0.57] and 0.52 [95% CI, 0.44, 0.61], respectively) and risk of overweight (odds ratios, 3.77 [95% CI: 1.38, 10.27] and 4.35 [95% CI: 1.69, 11.24]).

CONCLUSION:

New recommendations for gestational weight gain may be required in this era of epidemic obesity.