Are Women In Low Income Setting Gaining Adequate Gestational Weight? A Prospective Cross Sectional Study In Urban Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-pregnancy weight and weight gained during pregnancy significantly influence maternal and infant health. Little information is available regarding prevalence of optimal GWG in relation to pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in Uganda. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of inadequate, adequate and excessive GWG in women pregnant for the first and second time. Methods: The study was prospective cross sectional by design and involved HIV negative women pregnant for the first or second time. It was conducted in a health centre IV and recruitment women at ≤18 weeks of gestation. Follow up measurements were done at 26 and 36 weeks gestation age. Maternal height and weight were measured and used to calculate BMI. Depending on BMI category, GWG was categorized as inadequate, adequate and excessive based on the Uganda Ministry of Health guidelines. Results: The participants’ mean±standard deviation (Sd) age was 20.9±2.7 years and mean±Sd BMI was 21.40±2.73kg/m2. None of the participants was obese and 68.8% (n=132) were primigravidae. The mean±Sd GWG at time of delivery was 10.58±2.44kg. Inadequate GWG was recorded in 62.5% (n=120/192) while only 3.1% (n=6/192) of the participants gained excessive gestational weight. Conclusion: About 62% of primigravidae and secundigravidae in low income urban Kampala do not gain adequate gestational weight