Healthy gestational weight gain prevalence and associated risk factors: A population-based study in the far South of Brazil

Abstract

Objective
To measure and identify the factors associated with healthy weight gain during pregnancy in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Methods
This was a population-based, cross-sectional study that included all parturient women from the municipality who gave birth at its maternity hospitals in 2013. Information was collected by interview with the mothers in the first 48 hours following parturition and from the prenatal care cards. Healthy weight gain was evaluated according to the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Data analysis used Poisson regression with robust variance using previous hierarchical model.

Results
Among the 1,784 pregnant participants, 89% attended at least six prenatal care visits, and 32% had healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Higher education level and fewer children resulted in a higher prevalence ratiofor healthy weight gain (p=0.003 and p=0.029, respectively). Underweight women at conception had a higher proportion of healthy weight gain (p<0.001). Despite extensive coverage, prenatal care did not affect healthy weight gain during pregnancy (p=0.104).

Conclusion
The low proportion of women with healthy gestational weight gain suggests a need of better prenatal care services. Women who are overweight, have lower education levels, and had had multiple pregnancies at conception need special attention.