Volume 14

October-December 2022

Risk Factors for Gestational Weight Gain in 676 Pregnant Women in North Africa (Algeria)

Narimane Djekkoun, Hadjer Daoudi, Hamama Gueteche, Ines Khyel, Hafida Khorsi, Veronique ‎Bach, Karima Bendoukhane, Leyla Ounis, Leila Rouabah

Abstract:
Excessive gestational weight gain is associated with a number of health complications for the mother and their offspring’s. The aim of this study was to determine the various risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain in a pregnant Algerian population. We recruited and followed 676 healthy pregnant who attended antenatal centers in Constantine, Algeria. We measured their weight and their height before/or at the start of their pregnancy (first month), as well as the weight at the end of the pregnancy. The data was collected via a validated questionnaire. The mean BMI before pregnancy for the whole population was in order 25.4 ± 4.74 kg/m², 40.80% were normal weight, 35.95% were overweight and 24.40% were obese at the start of pregnancy. Total weight gain was in order to 6.4 ± 4.96 kg, only 24.26% of pregnant gained recommended amount of weight as the IOM recommendations vs. 25.29% gained less the recommendation and 50.44% gained more the IOM recommendation. Pregnant women who are overweight and obese before pregnancy gain more weight during pregnancy. According to our study, weight gain is also influenced by eating habits (number of meals per a day) and potentilled by the frequency and the quantity of fat and sugar containing products (such as the consumption of meat, chicken, butter/marguarine and candies). GWG might be inclined in our population, by the non-practice of physical activity. This outlook will allow better management of behaviors related to weight gain in order to avoid complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Keywords: Pregnancy, Gestational Weight Gain, Risk Factors, Obesity, Childbirth.