1244-P: Prospective Cohort Study on the Impact of Restricted Gestational Weight Gain on Fetal Growth in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Dietary Treatment

Introduction: Managing weight gain during pregnancy is crucial, particularly for women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), as it significantly impacts fetal growth and development. This study investigates how restricted gestational weight gain influences fetal growth in women with GDM undergoing dietary treatment.

Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 200 GDM patients and divided them into two groups depending on their adherence to a gestational weight gain-restricting diet. Category A rigorously followed the food restrictions, whereas Category B relaxed. Fetal growth markers such abdomen circumference, femur length, and predicted weight were examined monthly by ultrasound. During pregnancy, maternal weight gain was recorded.

Results: Restricted gestational weight gain in Category A was associated with more optimal fetal growth parameters compared to Category B. Specifically, Category A had a significantly lower incidence of macrosomia (10% in Category A vs. 25% in Category B, p<0.05) and a reduced rate of large-for-gestational-age infants (12% in Category A vs. 30% in Category B, p<0.01). The incidence of small-for-gestational-age newborns did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusion: A diet helps women with GDM avoid macrosomia and large-for-prenatal-age newborns by restricting gestational weight gain. These findings emphasize the necessity of nutritional management in managing weight increase during pregnancy for GDM women to preserve fetal health. Further research is required to optimize dietary guidelines and examine long-term maternal and child health impacts.