Weight gain between pregnancies linked to stillbirth

ConclusionThis study has a number of strengths. Firstly, it covers a large number of births thanks to the Swedish system of recording pregnancies, births and deaths. The researchers took account of several factors that could have skewed their results, such as the mothers' age at second birth and whether or not they smoked. The results show risk rose in line with the amount of weight gained, which strengthens the chances this finding represents a causal relationship.But cohort studies can never prove cause and effect. Weight gain might be a marker for something else that affected the outcomes. For example, the women who gained most weight might be generally unhealthier, have a poorer diet, or be more likely to drink alcohol in pregnancy than those who stayed at a steady weight. These factors were not recorded, so we don't know. However, the study adds to previous research, which shows that women who are overweight tend to have more problems in pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and difficulties in childbirth. Keeping to a healthy weight, and losing weight if you need to, is a good way to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and birth. Find out more about what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy. Links To The Headlines Weight gain between pregnancies linked to stillbirths and infant deaths. The Guardian, December 2 2015Mums who gain weight after first baby increase risk of stillbirth for second child, study shows. Daily Mirror, December 2 2015Weight gain b...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child Obesity Source Type: news