Weight Gain During Pregnancy Among Hispanic Women

OBJECTIVE: To describe extent of gestational weight gain (GWG) among Hispanic women and to examine psychological, social, cultural and environmental context affecting GWG. Methods: 291 Hispanic women were surveyed immediately post-partum about their pre-pregnancy weight as well as weight gained during the index pregnancy. Adequacy of GWG was based on guidelines set forth by the Institute of Medicine. RESULTS: About 60% were unmarried, with mean age of 27 years, and average weight gain of 30 lbs. About 45% had gained too much, 32% too little, and only 24% had an adequate amount of GWG. Mean birth weight was 7.3, 7.9, and 6.8 grams among the adequate, excessive and inadequate GWG groups respectively (adequate vs. excessive p=.006; adequate vs. inadequate p=.01). Independent risk factors for “excessive” GWG were being unmarried (Adjusted odds ratio [OR]=2.47, p=.01), lack of knowledge about adequate amount of food/nutrition needed during pregnancy (adj. OR=3.85, p=.007), and U.S. born status (proxy for acculturation) (OR=3.0, p=.04). Independent risk factors for “inadequate" GWG were being unmarried (adj. OR=2.52, p=.01), excessive exercise during pregnancy (adj. OR=2.83, p=.007), and lower levels of support from family and friends (adj. OR=.90, p=.04). Depression, stress, and woman's or her partner's pregnancy wantedness were unrelated to GWG. DISCUSSION: Increasing women's level of support through organized support groups, as well as augmented counseling efforts targeted at appropriate nutrition, diet, and exercise have the potential to reduce excessive or inadequate GWG and its associated sequelae among Hispanic women, in particular those who are born in the United States.