The role of antenatal education for the prevention of excessive weight gain during pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Excessive weight gain (EWG) during pregnancy is associated to adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the situation in a single high intensity care center in Eastern Piedmont, north of Italy. METHODS: This is a cohort study including 715 patients classified into four classes corresponding to pregestational BMI values. Based on the WHO's weight gain for each class, women were subdivided into three groups: Inadequate, adequate and excessive increase. RESULTS: EWG was significant in overweight (43.9%) and obese women (37.3%). There was a significant correlation with gestational diabetes (P=0.046), hypertension (P=0.0001), preterm birth (P=0.047), intake of antihypertensive drugs (P=0.0001), maternal study degree (P=0.005), profession (P=0.015), civil status (P=0.003), parity (P=0.039) and paternal ethnicity (P=0.027). Participation at antenatal education for childbirth (AEC) had a positive impact leading to an appropriate weight gain (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: If adequately counselled, women understand the consequences of excessive weight gain during pregnancy, comply more to therapy and modify their lifestyle.