Postpartum weight retention among mothers of young children with special health care needs

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) is a major contributor to overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age, posing significant public health concerns. While psychological impacts of caring for a child with special health care needs (CSHCN) are documented, associations with maternal physical outcomes such as PPWR remain unclear. This analysis aimed to evaluate whether child health status, specifically having a CSHCN, is associated with maternal PPWR. Understanding this relationship may inform targeted interventions during the perinatal period to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce long-term obesity risk.