Hydration status count for weight gain on pregnancy period

Purpose In Indonesia, 29.3% of Indonesian women were obese. Dehydrated women have 1.6 times higher risk of becoming obese than normal ones. This study was aimed to further explore the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and maternal hydration status. Design/methodology/approach This longitudinal study involved 50 pregnant women aged 18–35 years. Subject identity, age, parity and household expenses were collected using questionnaire. Urine specific gravity (USG) was used as an indicator for hydration status. Venous blood was collected to measured haemoglobin (Hb) by anemometer method. Anthropometric data such as pre-pregnancy weight, maternal body weight, GWG, body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was collected using standardized tools. Dietary and total water intake (TWI) were measured through three consecutive days of a 24-h food recall. Pearson’s correlation, independent t-test and analysis of covariance were used to appraise the hypothesis. Findings The subject’s mean age was 29.3 ± 5.6 years; BMI was 23.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2. MUAC (28.2 ± 4.0 cm) and Hb (11.5 ± 1.0 g/dl) were still in the normal range. Most subjects were well hydrated, with an average USG of 1.016 g/mL. GWG and TWI are significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Based on the hydration status, after corrected with TWI, GWG was not significantly different. Originality/value It calls to mind that nutrition and water intake, alongside weight gain monitoring during pregnancy, are part of an effort to prevent pregnancy risks.