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Social inequality in excessive gestational weight gain
N Holowko1, G Mishra2, I Koupil3
11] Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden [2] Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Research, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|May 29, 2013
Summary
Lower educated women with a healthy pre-pregnancy BMI face a higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Education does not protect overweight or obese women from excessive GWG, highlighting the need for tailored prenatal advice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal-Child Health
- Social Epidemiology
Background:
- Optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) is crucial for maternal and child well-being.
- Excessive GWG is a risk factor for obesity development.
- Social inequalities in GWG are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of educational attainment on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and GWG.
- To explore social inequalities in GWG patterns.
Main Methods:
- A register-based population study in Sweden.
- Utilized data from the Uppsala Birth Cohort Study (n=4080).
- Analyzed pre-pregnancy BMI and Institute of Medicine (IOM) GWG categories, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Most women (67%) had a healthy pre-pregnancy BMI, but 20% were overweight and 8% obese.
- Approximately 50% of all women experienced excessive GWG.
- Higher pre-pregnancy BMI increased excessive GWG risk, irrespective of education (76% overweight, 75% obese).
- Lower educated women with healthy pre-pregnancy BMI had a significantly higher risk of excessive GWG (OR 1.76 for elementary, OR 1.32 for secondary education).
Conclusions:
- Educational level did not mitigate excessive GWG in overweight or obese women.
- Women with lower education and a healthy BMI are at increased risk for excessive GWG.
- Tailored prenatal guidance is essential for optimizing pregnancy outcomes and preventing obesity development.
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