Attitudes toward weight gain in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Maternal prenatal nutrition is increasingly recognized for its impact on pregnancy course and outcomes.
• Pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain are linked to infant birth weight, neonatal mortality, and infant development.
• Recent guidelines have liberalized recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess pregnant women's understanding of recommended weight gain and nutritional practices during pregnancy.
• To identify potential gaps in knowledge among pregnant women and healthcare providers regarding prenatal nutrition.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 195 pregnant women attending prenatal visits in clinic and private offices.
• The survey assessed women's beliefs about appropriate weight gain during pregnancy and their nutritional behaviors.

Main Results:

• 37% of women believed gaining 20 pounds (9 kg) or less was appropriate.
• 8% admitted to dieting before antenatal visits.
• 54% believed their doctor would not be concerned about insufficient weight gain.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of pregnant women possess inadequate understanding of current prenatal nutrition recommendations.
• Deficiencies in knowledge suggest a need for enhanced educational initiatives for both the public and healthcare professionals.
• Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for optimizing maternal and infant health outcomes.