Risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain in a UK population: a biopsychosocial model approach

Abstract

Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) can have implications for the health of both mother and child. However, the contributing factors remain unclear. Despite the advantages of using a biopsychosocial approach, this approach has not been applied to study GWG in the UK. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of excessive GWG in a UK population, employing a biopsychosocial model. Methods This study utilised data from the longitudinal Grown in Wales (GiW) cohort, which recruited women in late pregnancy in South Wales. Specifically, data was collected from midwife recorded notes and an extensive questionnaire completed prior to an elective caesarean section (ELCS) delivery. GWG was categorised according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. The analysis was undertaken for 275 participants. Results In this population 56.0% of women had excessive GWG. Increased prenatal depression symptoms (Exp(B)=1.10, p=.019) and an overweight (Exp(B)=4.16, p<.001) or obese (Exp(B)=4.20, p=.010) pre-pregnancy BMI, consuming alcohol in pregnancy (Exp(B)=.37, p=.005) and an income of less than £18,000 (Exp(B)=.24, p=.043) and £25–43,000 (Exp(B)=.25, p=.002) were associated with excessive GWG. Conclusion GWG is complex and influenced by a range of biopsychosocial factors, with the high prevalence of excessive weight gain in this population a cause for concern. Women in the UK may benefit from a revised approach toward GWG within the National Health Service (NHS), such as tracking weight gain throughout pregnancy. Additionally, this research provides evidence for potential targets for future interventions, and potentially at-risk populations to target, to improve GWG outcomes.

The Association of Avoidance Coping with Gestational Weight Gain among Pregnant Black Women

“…Determinants of GWG include prepregnancy BMI and demographic and behavioral characteristics (e.g., education, smoking, physical activity) (Deputy et al, 2015; Feng et al, 2021; Samura et al, 2016). However, factors related to GWG are not limited to maternal physical characteristics and can include psychosocial aspects such as stress, depression, and eating pathologies (Athar et al, 2021; Garay et al, 2021). The adverse outcomes associated with excessive GWG may extend beyond pregnancy and birth.…”

In support of the placental programming hypothesis: Placental endocrine insufficiency programs atypical behaviour in mothers and their offspring

“…A recent survey in the UK reported that 27.4% of pregnant women were overweight, 18.3% obese and 3.3% severely obese at their first booking appointment, which takes place in the first trimester of pregnancy (Public Health England data, 2017). Excessive weight gain in pregnancy, an indicator of overnutrition, is estimated at 47–56.0% (Garay et al., 2021; Goldstein et al., 2017).…”

Postpartum Weight Change in Relation to Pre-Pregnancy Weight and Gestational Weight Gain in Women in Low-Income Setting: Data from the KITE Cohort in the Northern Part of Ethiopia

“…In addition, previous studies were mainly conducted in developed countries, where pre-pregnancy overweight and excessive gestational weight gain are major public health problems. For instance, approximately 40%, 45%, and 30% of women in the USA, UK, and Europe, respectively, enter pregnancy being overweight [ 1 , 22 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. At the same time, nearly 50% of women in the USA, UK, and Europe gain more weight during pregnancy than recommended [ 3 , 22 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…For instance, approximately 40%, 45%, and 30% of women in the USA, UK, and Europe, respectively, enter pregnancy being overweight [ 1 , 22 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. At the same time, nearly 50% of women in the USA, UK, and Europe gain more weight during pregnancy than recommended [ 3 , 22 , 32 , 33 ].…”