Cheney K, et al. - A cross-sectional study is completed to research the prevalence and predictors of excess gestational weight gain (GWG) in early pregnancy, and if women comprehend the risks to themselves and their offspring stratified by maternal body mass index (BMI). The women at particular risk of excess early GWG are those who are overweight and obese and/or residing in lower socio-economic areas. These women should be focused for appropriate counselling preconception or in early pregnancy. Given the significant adverse outcomes related to excess GWG in early pregnancy, preconception or early pregnancy counselling with respect to GWG and intervention research in regards to best approach remains a public health priority.

Methods

• This was a secondary analysis (n = 2131) of a cross-sectional study (n = 2338) conducted more than a 6 months in 2015 of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at four maternity hospitals across Sydney, Australia before 22 completed weeks gestation.
• An self-completed questionnaire was utilized to explore knowledge of expected weight gain in pregnancy, comprehension of risks related to excess GWG, self-reported anthropometric measures and socio-demographic data.

Results

• In this study, one-third (34.2%) of the women gained weight in excess of the recommendations by 22 completed weeks gestation.
• Women who were overweight (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.33-2.14) or obese (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20-2.24) pre-pregnancy were more likely to gain excess weight in early pregnancy compared to normal weight women; as were women from lower socio-economic areas (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.49-2.41).
• Half (51%) the women were unsure about the effect of excess GWG on their baby; 11% did not believe that excess GWG would influence the weight of the baby and 14% did not believe that excess GWG would influence longer term outcomes for their baby.
• Women who gained weight above the proposals were significantly more likely to believe that excessive GWG in pregnancy would not have any adverse future impact on health outcomes or weight of their baby.