Inadequacies of gestational weight gain: prevalence and association with sociodemographic characteristics and the living environment

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the association of gestational weight gain inadequacies with sociodemographic indicators and characteristics of the living environment. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 with a probabilistic sample of 3580 postpartum women who gave birth in maternity hospitals of the Unified Health System in the State of Santa Catarina. Prevalence was calculated and, using logistic regression models, odd ratios of inadequate and adequate gestational weight gain were estimated according to sociodemographic and health indicators (Body Mass Index, age, marital status, race/skin color and education); and characteristics of the neighborhood (violence, social cohesion, encouragement to practice physical activity and access to healthy food). Results It was observed that 29.6% of the mothers had adequate gestational weight gain, 29.3% insufficient and 41.1% excessive gestational weight gain. Lower chances of adequate weight gain were found in women with pre-pregnancy body mass index classified as overweight (43.0%) and obesity (58.0%) and who lived in an environment with social cohesion (25.0%). In contrast, the chances of adequate weight gain were 43.0% higher among women with 12 years of schooling or more when compared to those with 8 years or less. Conclusion Inadequate gestational weight gain is associated with high pre-pregnancy body mass index, with social cohesion in the living environment and with a low level of education of the pregnant woman, requiring public policies that go beyond prenatal care.