South Dakota medicine : the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association
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Maternal obesity, high gestational weight gain and diabetes mellitus during pregnancy are known risk factors that correlate with high infant birth weight and the mother's race. Previous studies have focused on low birth weight, prematurity and infant mortality. This study examined the interaction between race, maternal risk factors and high infant birth weights at the population level in South Dakota to identify factors contributing to the high Native American infant birth weights. We hypothesized that high infant birth weights were associated with maternal diabetes, obesity and high gestational weight gain, and that Native American infants' higher birth weights were related to the prevalence of diabetes and obesity. ⋯ Native American race, gestational diabetes mellitus, overweight and obese BMI, and excessive gestational weight gain for BMI were the most significant maternal factors associated with high infant birth weight. Mothers with any one risk factor gave birth to heavier infants. Mothers with all risk factors had infants with the highest mean birth weights in South Dakota. This large population-based study provides evidence that Native American mothers in South Dakota with GDM, overweight or obese BMI and excessive GWG are more likely to give birth to high birth weight infants. At-risk mothers should be educated regarding the risks and potential complications of high birth weight infants.