Abstract

Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) has significant public health implications due to the increased risk of birth complications and cesarean section, and ultimately, increased rates of long-term obesity for the mother. Furthermore, exceeding GWG recommendations is harmful to the offspring as well, conferring increased risk of childhood and adult obesity. This suggests that pregnancy is a critical period of time to affect weight outcomes across generations. Unfortunately, the majority of US women exceed the Institute of Medicine guidelines for recommended GWG. In this chapter, we discuss prenatal physical activity, including current recommendations, pregnant women's levels of activity, and interventions to attempt to improve engagement. In addition, we discuss other predictors of GWG, evidence for GWG interventions, and recommendations for future approaches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHandbook of Fertility
Subtitle of host publicationNutrition, Diet, Lifestyle and Reproductive Health
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages173-182
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780128009932
ISBN (Print)9780128008720
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 27 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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