Gestational Weight, A Pre-Natal Challenge In Women Attending Antenatal Clinic In The South West Region Of Cameroon

Gestational weight gain (GWG) and gestational weight loss (GWL) are important indicators of morbidity and mortality, low birth weight and other birth complications in both the mothers and the infants. This study aimed at determining the gestational weight status and associated factors in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in the South West Region, Cameroon. It was a facility based cross sectional study and a total of 400 pregnant women were selected using convenience sampling. Data was collected using demographic and midwifery questionnaires, economic and social status, The participant age range varied from 15-44 years, with a mean age of 26.53±5.39 years. 35(8.8%) of the participants were in the first trimester of pregnancy, 157(39.3%) were in the second trimester and 208(52.0%) where in the third trimester the average gestational age was 25.35±8.05 week.The body mass index (BMI) for the participants varied from 17.64-62.50 with a mean BMI of 31.29±6.79. In this study, 2(0.5%) of the women had a low BMI, 187(46.8%) had a normal BMI while 211(52.8%) had a high BMI. Considering the effect of inappropriate weight during pregnancy on undesirable pregnancy outcomes, related factors such as nutritional status, stress and depression in prenatal care should be assessed. Healthcare providers should consult; educate pregnant women with more emphasis. Future research regarding GWG GWL should include measurements of psychosocial determinants of GWG/GWL (abnormal) along with the more commonly measured nutrition and exercise variables. Previous research has indicated the potential for innovative weight loss interventions that use technology platforms/ social media such as whatsapp facebook and text messaging in non-pregnant populations. Further research is also needed to investigate the effectiveness of such technologies in weight management during pregnancy..