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Association Between Obstetric Provider's Advice and Gestational Weight Gain
Andrea Lopez-Cepero1, Katherine Leung2, Tiffany Moore Simas2
1Clinical and Population Health Research Program, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine and Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|February 17, 2018
Summary
Pregnant women who followed their provider's gestational weight gain (GWG) advice had significantly lower odds of excessive GWG. Optimal GWG advice and adherence are crucial for healthy pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is a significant concern in maternal health.
- Limited research exists on the impact of provider advice and patient adherence on GWG outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between obstetric provider gestational weight gain (GWG) advice, self-reported adherence, and actual GWG in pregnant women.
- To identify potential factors influencing GWG and inform interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 91 healthy pregnant women provided self-reported data on GWG advice receipt and adherence via surveys.
- Anthropometric measures and GWG data were abstracted from electronic health records.
- Statistical analyses included Chi square, Mann-Whitney tests, and logistic regressions.
Main Results:
- 62.6% of women exceeded recommended GWG ranges; 67% received GWG advice, with 54.1% reporting adherence.
- Following provider advice was associated with significantly lower odds of excessive GWG (OR 0.18).
- Adherent women gained an average of 11.3 pounds less than non-adherent women.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of GWG advice from obstetric providers appears suboptimal.
- Provider GWG advice, when given and followed, can significantly reduce the risk of excessive GWG.
- Further research is needed to enhance provider advice delivery and patient adherence for improved maternal outcomes.