Excessive Gestational Weight Gain Linked to Fetal Fat Accumulation

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 29, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with greater fetal size, mainly manifested by fat accumulation across the abdomen, according to a study published online Jan. 16 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Katherine A. Wagner, M.P.H., from the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues examined the relationship between trimester-specific GWG and three-dimensional (3D) fetal body composition and organ volume measurements in a prospective pregnancy cohort. Trimester-specific GWG was calculated and categorized as inadequate, adequate, or excessive. Fetal body composition and organ volume measurements were obtained for 2,675 pregnancies in up to five 3D ultrasound scans completed across gestation.

The researchers found that excessive versus adequate GWG in the first and second trimesters was associated with larger abdominal circumference and abdominal area, and excessive GWG in the first trimester was associated with larger arm subcutaneous tissue thickness. Although the differences did not reach statistical significance, there was a trend toward increased fetal arm, thigh, kidney, and liver volumes and abdominal subcutaneous tissue.

“Trimester-specific findings emphasize the importance of evaluating the timing of GWG instead of total GWG across pregnancy, which may miss important associations with fetal accumulation of fat and lean tissue,” the authors write. “Overall, our findings may provide insight into biologically relevant timing to implement clinical interventions among women who are experiencing excessive GWG to promote optimal fetal growth.”

One author disclosed ties to GE Healthcare; measurements for the study were taken using GE software.

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