Abstract

VIVEIROS, Frederico; POINHOS, Rui  and  AFONSO, Cláudia. PRECONCEPTION NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY: A FOLLOW-UP STUDY IN THE FAIAL ISLAND. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2020, n.23, pp.14-17.  Epub May 11, 2021. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2020.2303.

It is essential to adjust the weight evolution of pregnant women, taking into account the body mass index prior to pregnancy and the number of fetuses. Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy and the nutritional status of pregnant women before conception may be associated with risks to maternal and child health. The evaluation of these aspects is fundamental to the definition of action strategies. The aim was to assess the weight status of women in Faial (Azores, Portugal) before conception and their weight gain during pregnancy.

This prospective study evaluated the nutritional status prior to conception and the weight gain during pregnancy of 34 women with a mean age of 31 years (SD = 4). Half of the sample had normal weight before conception and the remaining participants were overweight. It was found that 64.7% of the sample had an inadequate increase in weight during pregnancy, mostly by deficit. Weight gain during pregnancy did not differ significantly between previous body mass index classes.

To improve the pre-gestational weight status, a greater focus on health education on the adoption of healthy lifestyles in family planning consultations is recommended. In view of the high inadequacy of weight gain during pregnancy, weight evolution should be monitored more regularly, so that weight gain is not less than or greater than desired. Since the recommendations for weight gain during pregnancy take into account the previous body mass index, and given the high prevalence of excess weight found, this monitoring should continue in the postpartum period.

The adequate nutritional status of the woman before conception and the pregnant woman are essential to optimize the health of herself and the baby and to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy, which is why the nutritionist's intervention in these phases is recommended.

Keywords : Weight gain; Nutritional status; Gestation; Preconception.

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