WHO to Revise Pregnancy Weight Gain Guidelines Amidst New Research Highlighting Regional Risks
GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) is developing updated global standards for recommended weight gain during pregnancy, acknowledging that existing guidelines – largely unchanged since the 1980s – fail to account for critical regional differences in diet, body type, and healthcare access. A new international study reveals that approximately two-thirds of pregnant women experience unhealthy weight gain, either too little or too much, increasing risks of premature births, high blood pressure, and cesarean sections.
The research,conducted by a team including experts from Monash University,the WHO,the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro,the National Institute of Perinatology in Mexico,and the California Polytechnic State University,demonstrates significant variations in risk factors across the globe. In Asia, women who did not gain enough weight during pregnancy were three times more likely to develop high blood pressure. Conversely, in Western countries, excessive weight gain was more frequently associated wiht cesarean sections.
“Our results support the development of evidence-based WHO standards that apply to different populations around the world,” stated Professor Helena Teede, a contributor to the study.
Experts attribute these disparities to a combination of cultural and genetic factors, alongside influences like diet, air quality, and stress levels on optimal weight gain. A balanced weight gain is crucial; insufficient gain can jeopardize fetal development, while excessive gain can strain the mother’s circulatory system, metabolism, and the birthing process.
The collaborative team is advocating for internationally coordinated standards to reduce risks for both mothers and children. Doctors and midwives currently recommend regular weight checks, emphasizing individual baselines, diet, and overall health rather than rigid ideals.
Key Takeaways:
* Two-thirds of pregnant women globally experience unhealthy weight gain.
* current weight gain guidelines are based on data from the 1980s.
* Regional differences significantly impact pregnancy risks related to weight gain.
* Balanced weight gain, monitored through regular check-ups and personalized advice, is vital for maternal and fetal health.
