American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 200, Issue 4 , Pages 390.e1-390.e6, April 2009

Gestational weight gain among US women who deliver twins, 2001-2006

  • Susan Y. Chu, PhD, MSPH

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprints: Susan Y. Chu, PhD, MSPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, Mailstop K-23, Atlanta, GA 30341
    • ,
  • Denise V. D'Angelo, MPH

Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Received 3 September 2008; received in revised form 7 October 2008; accepted 7 December 2008.

Objective

Current guidelines recommend a gestational weight gain of 35-45 pounds for a twin pregnancy, but actual levels of weight gain during pregnancy among US women delivering twins are currently unknown.

Study Design

We assessed gestational weight gain among 6345 US women who delivered twins from 2001 to 2006, using data collected from 28 states and New York City participating in a population-based surveillance system (PRAMS).

Results

Approximately one-third of mothers who delivered twins gained 45 pounds or more during pregnancy. Weight gains were higher among women with lower prepregnancy body mass indexes. The percentage of twins with a normal birthweight increased with increasing gestational weight gains, except among obese women with the highest level of gain (≥ 65 pounds).

Conclusion

A notable percentage of US women who deliver twins gain above the current guidelines. The benefits of high gestational weight gain during twin pregnancies need to be balanced against an increased risk of maternal weight retention and later obesity.

Key words: gestational weight gain, maternal obesity, twin pregnancies

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 The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 Cite this article as: Chu SY and D'Angelo DV. Gestational weight gain among US women who deliver twins, 2001-2006. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;200:390.e1-390.e6.

PII: S0002-9378(08)02401-0

doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2008.12.018

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Volume 200, Issue 4 , Pages 390.e1-390.e6, April 2009

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