Gestational weight gain trajectories in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract Purpose: Gestational weight gain is strongly associated with adverse maternal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus. This aim of this study is investigate the characteristics of the trajectory of gestational weight gain in Chinese patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 1,516 patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus from January 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022 at a Grade-III specialized hospital in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China, were selected. Essential demographic and prenatal examination information of the patients was collected. Results: We found the different BMI groups had significantly different gestational weight gain (P<0.001). The type of gestational diabetes mellitus also had a significant impact on gestational weight gain (P<0.001).This study revealed three different exercise trajectories. The inflection point of weight gain changes during pregnancy in gestational diabetes mellitus was at 16 weeks of gestation. Conclusion: The study reveals three distinct gestational weight gain trajectories in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus that differ from those of healthy pregnant women. It provides a basis for establishing appropriate gestational weight gain criteria and screening time windows for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.