Although prior studies have assessed associations with gestational weight gain
over the entire pregnancy, the effects of early versus late gestational weight gain
have not been explored. Classically, the rate of weight gain has
been described as lowest during the first trimester, peaking during
the second trimester and decreasing again in the third trimester.7
Thus, inadequate weight gain in the second trimester may be a
significant determinant of total gestational weight gain and may have ramifications
for both maternal and neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth.
We hypothesize that mid-pregnancy inadequate gestational weight gain at 20 to
28 weeks will be independently associated with preterm at
o32 weeks.