Managing Gestational Weight Gain: Obstetricians' Perceived Barriers and Interventions

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Optimal pregnancy health outcomes necessitate effective management of gestational weight gain (GWG).
• Understanding obstetricians' (OBs) perspectives on GWG management is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
• Childbirth educators can benefit from insights into OBs' current practices and challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the recommendations provided by obstetricians for managing GWG.
• To identify the perceived barriers encountered by OBs in managing GWG.
• To inform strategies for improving GWG management and maternal health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A mailed survey was administered to 63 obstetricians.
• The survey collected data on OBs' practices for managing GWG.
• Perceived barriers to GWG management were assessed through the survey.

Main Results:

• Frequent OB recommendations included increasing activity (76.2%), aerobic activity (63.5%), patient education (61.9%), increasing fiber intake (61.3%), and using GWG guidelines (58.7%).
• Self-tracking weight gain charts were the least utilized management tool.
• Primary barriers reported were patient disinterest in behavior change (77.8%), high relapse rates (66.7%), lack of community resources (60.3%), cost of referrals (58.7%), and time constraints (53.9%).

Conclusions:

• Obstetricians employ various strategies for GWG management, with a focus on lifestyle modifications and guideline adherence.
• Significant barriers related to patient engagement, resource availability, and cost impede effective GWG management.
• Addressing these barriers is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of GWG interventions and improving maternal health.