A recent study, published in BMJ Global Health, highlights that two-thirds of pregnancies show weight gain that exceeds medical recommendations. This analysis, which encompassed data from 1.6 million women globally, highlights the urgent need to revise current guidelines on gestational weight gain (GWG). The study underscores that both excessive and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy are associated with increased risks of health complications. These include premature births, low birth weight, and hypertensive disorders, significantly impacting the health of mothers and newborns. In this regard, to support the World Health Organization's (WHO) new initiative to develop global standards for advanced maternal health (AMH), researchers examined 40 high-quality observational studies conducted between 2009 and 2024, covering five of six global regions. Given that more than half (53%) of the participants had a healthy BMI before pregnancy, and the remainder were below (6%), above (19%), or well above a healthy weight (22%), it turned out that only 32% of the women gained weight within the recommended ranges, while 23% gained too little and 45% gained too much. Outdated Guidelines: Current guidelines are based on data from the 1980s, mostly limited to women. white women from advanced economies.

With a more diverse population and different environmental factors, it is considered imperative to adopt modern criteria that reflect the current reality of pregnant women.

Need for individualized approaches

Experts like Annick Bogaerts, associate professor of obstetric sciences, emphasize the importance of personalizing care during pregnancy. She argues that, instead of applying general guidelines, each woman's individual context should be considered, addressing her physical and emotional well-being as a holistic approach.

“Implementing the guidelines in daily practice requires considering individually adaptable and achievable goals that address common symptoms such as nausea and fatigue (…) For example, encouraging short walks outdoors, suggesting small, frequent meals, and promoting hydration strategies, rather than focusing strictly on calorie control, can make the recommendations more practical, useful, and therefore more effective,” Bogaerts told Newsweek.

Role of Nutrition and Exercise in Weight Management

Nutrition and exercise play a fundamental role in managing weight gain during pregnancy. A balanced and nutritious diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products, helps meet the needs of pregnancy without promoting excessive weight gain. A high-fiber diet also prevents problems such as glucose intolerance and constipation. Simultaneously, moderate exercise, such as regular walking or supervised aerobic exercise, helps control weight gain, also reducing associated risks such as maternal hypertension, fetal macrosomia (excessive baby weight), and cesarean delivery. Combined diet and exercise interventions are particularly effective, demonstrating an average reduction of 20% in the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy and improving some neonatal outcomes. You may also be interested in:Combined diet and exercise interventions are particularly effective, demonstrating an average reduction of 20% in the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy and improving some neonatal outcomes. You may also be interested in:Combined diet and exercise interventions are particularly effective, demonstrating an average reduction of 20% in the risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy and improving some neonatal outcomes. You may also be interested in: