Energy/protein restriction for high weight-for-height or weight gain during pregnancy (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 23 August 1996. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: Background pending.

Objectives: To assess the effects of prescribing a low-energy diet to pregnant women who are either overweight, or who exhibited high weight gain earlier in gestation, on subsequent weight gain, pre-eclampsia, and the outcome of pregnancy.

Search strategy: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched and researchers in the field were contacted. Date of last search: October 2001.

Selection criteria: All acceptably controlled comparisons of protein/energy restriction prescribed to pregnant women who meet one or both of the criteria listed above.

Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted by the author from published reports, and supplemented by additional information from trialists contacted by the author.

Main results: Three studies involving 266 women were involved. Energy/protein restriction leads to a significant reduction in weekly maternal weight gain and in birth weight but has no clear effect on either pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia. Other outcomes, including fetal/infant mortality and other measures of maternal morbidity (eg Caesarean section) or long-term nutritional status, have not been reported.

Reviewers' conclusions: Protein/energy restriction of pregnant women who are overweight or exhibit high weight gain is unlikely to be beneficial and may be harmful to the developing fetus.

Citation: Kramer MS. Energy/protein restriction for high weight-for-height or weight gain during pregnancy (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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