The 5As of Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain: Possible Applications in the Brazilian Context to Improve Maternal-Fetal Health

It is well-established that women who enter pregnancy at a healthy body weight (i.e. body mass index [BMI] 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), and whose gestational weight gain (GWG) aligns with evidencebased guidelines, are likely to have fewer antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum complications or challenges. This will positively influence their own health as well as that of their child over the short and long-term.1 Excess GWG is of particular concern given that it is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, post-partum weight retention, fetal overgrowth and, downstream, childhood obesity.2 The prevalence of excess GWG in Brazil has been reported to be up to 52%.3 Thus, there is a need to promote healthy pregnancy weight gain in an effort to optimize maternal-fetal outcomes and secure the future of public health in Brazil.