Researchers in Sweden undertook a study to investigate the relationship between above-optimal mother gestational weight gain (GWG) and the risk of neurodevelopmental problems in kids. 

They used data from children born between 2007 and 2010. The primary analysis included all neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses, while the secondary analysis included combinations of mutually exclusive outcomes. The study was published in the journal BMC Medicine.

Results revealed that greater than optimal total GWG was associated with a 19% increase in the likelihood of developing neurodevelopmental problem, while less than optimal GWG was associated with rise in the risk of neurodevelopmental problems by 12%.Furthermore, the rate of GWG was associated with the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a slower rate of GWG during the second trimester increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders by 9%, but a higher rate of GWG in the second trimester was not associated with the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

A greater rate of GWG was linked to a 28% increase in the likelihood of being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition.

Overall, the findings showed that maternal GWG levels below and beyond the optimum range were linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems in the offspring. The results also revealed that the rate of GWG was an essential factor in determining the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

An inadequate GWG rate during the second trimester and quick GWG rate in the third trimester was connected to the highest risk of neurodevelopmental problems, particularly ADHD and intellectual disability.

These findings suggested that the maternal GWG rate could be utilized to determine the likelihood of neurodevelopmental problems in the fetus.

(Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230329/Maternal-weight-gain-in-pregnancy-linked-to-childrens-risk-of-neurodevelopmental-disorders.aspx)