Interpregnancy Weight Change Increases Risk of Preeclampsia in Second Pregnancy: Study

The study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, analyzed data from a large registry of women who had two consecutive singleton births without preeclampsia in their first pregnancy. Researchers identified that women who experienced substantial interpregnancy weight gain (≥ 5 kg) faced significantly increased odds of developing preeclampsia in their second pregnancy compared to those with minimal weight change (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] ~1.8). Strikingly, even those with lower or stable first-pregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) were at higher risk when they gained weight between pregnancies. Conversely, excessive weight loss (> 5 kg) was also associated with elevated preeclampsia risk, suggesting that maintaining weight stability may be optimal. The increased risk also correlated with the presence of maternal conditions like hypertension or diabetes, and complications from the first pregnancy—such as gestational hypertension or fetal growth restriction—further accentuated the risk in the second pregnancy. From a clinical standpoint, these findings highlight the need for proactive interpregnancy care: monitoring weight trends, optimizing management of chronic conditions, and offering counseling on healthy lifestyle interventions between pregnancies. By identifying women at increased risk early, healthcare providers can mitigate potential adverse outcomes. Future research should explore tailored strategies for interpregnancy weight management and prevention of preeclampsia across diverse populations. Meanwhile, this evidence suggests that stability—rather than significant gain or loss—in body weight between pregnancies may be a key preventive target.

Keywords:

interpregnancy weight change, preeclampsia risk, second pregnancy, maternal BMI, obstetric outcomes, weight gain, transitional care, BJOG, chronic maternal disease, pregnancy complications, Smith, A. B., Johnson, L. M., & Patel, R.