Effect of body image on gestational weight gain in overweight and obese women

The trajectory of body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy and postpartum and its relationship to Body-Mass-Index

BACKGROUND

During pregnancy, women's bodies undergo rapid body weight and size changes within a relatively short period. Pregnancy may therefore, be associated with an increased vulnerability for developing body image dissatisfaction linked to adverse health outcomes for the mother (e.g., depression, eating disorders) and child (e.g., impaired self-regulation, childhood obesity). The present study aims to examine the prevalence and trajectories of body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy and postpartum and its relationship to pre-pregnancy BMI. This is the first study that investigates prevalence rates of body image dissatisfaction not only ante- but also postpartum, and that compares trajectories of women with normal weight and overweight.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal design with a quantitative approach was applied. Healthy pregnant women (N = 136) answered paper-pencil or online questionnaires at four time points (18th-22nd and 33rd-37th week of gestation, 3 and 6 months postpartum). Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using the German version of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Both questionnaires are considered reliable and valid measures of several aspects of body image, and the BSQ allows for calculating prevalence rates by providing cut-off values. Using not just one but two body image questionnaires, trajectories of body image dissatisfaction can be compared. Pre-pregnancy BMI was assessed retrospectively via self-reported weight and height.

RESULTS

The proportion of women reporting elevated levels of body image dissatisfaction was 6.6% (n = 9) in the second trimester, 2.9% (n = 4) in the third trimester, 11.0% (n = 15) three months postpartum, and 10.3% (n = 14) six months postpartum. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that body image dissatisfaction significantly decreased from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy, remained stable during pregnancy, and returned to pre-pregnancy levels three to six months postpartum. Mixed between-within ANOVA showed that the overweight/obese group reported significantly higher levels of body image dissatisfaction at each measurement point except during the third trimester than women in the normal weight group. Significant but small interaction effects between time and pre-pregnancy BMI were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed that approximately every tenth woman is affected by body image dissatisfaction after childbirth. Women with a higher BMI level before pregnancy are particularly at risk of experiencing body image dissatisfaction. Healthcare providers should screen for body image dissatisfaction, in particular after childbirth, and inform affected women about possible adverse health outcomes and treatment options. Study limitations concern the drop-out rate of 51.4% and the retrospective and self-reported assessment of pre-pregnancy BMI. Future studies should include additional assessment points in the first trimester and more than six months postpartum and try to include a matched control group of non-pregnant women to compare prevalence rates and trajectory of body image dissatisfaction.

Predictors of body image dissatisfaction among women at different stages of pregnancy:A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the levels and predictors of body image dissatisfaction among women at different stages of pregnancy.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study design.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 863 Chinese pregnant women were recruited from a tertiary hospital via a convenience sampling method.

MEASUREMENT AND FINDINGS

Eligible participants completed a demographic questionnaire and self-reported measures of body image dissatisfaction, pregnancy-related anxiety, prenatal depression, and appearance comparison. Results showed no statistical difference in body image dissatisfaction levels among early-mid pregnancy (47.6 ± 6.17), late-mid pregnancy (47.3 ± 7.56), and late pregnancy stages (48.4 ± 6.22). The generalized linear model showed that gestational weight gain, pregnancy-related anxiety, own/family's perception of pregnancy weight, and current ideal weight change were predictors of body image dissatisfaction in the early-mid pregnancy stage. In addition, pre-pregnancy BMI, appearance comparison, own /family's perception of pregnancy weight, current ideal weight change, and overeating during pregnancy significantly predicted body image dissatisfaction in the late-mid pregnancy stage. Predictors of body image dissatisfaction in the late pregnancy stage comprised planned pregnancy, pre-pregnancy eating disorders, own perception of pregnancy weight, current ideal weight change, pregnancy-related anxiety, and prenatal depression.

KEY CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

The findings suggest that predictors of body image dissatisfaction differed according to pregnancy stage. Self-perception of pregnancy weight was primary predictor of body image dissatisfaction. Healthcare professionals are recommended to provide prenatal health education to reduce own/family's negative perception of pregnancy weight, so as to alleviate the body image dissatisfaction level of pregnant women.

Exploring body dissatisfaction in pregnancy and the association with gestational weight gain, obesity, and weight stigma

OBJECTIVE

Body dissatisfaction in pregnancy has been associated with negative psychological maternal outcomes, including increased risk of postpartum depression. This study aimed to explore weight-related factors that influence body dissatisfaction in pregnancy, including gestational weight gain (GWG), weight stigma, obesity, and weight loss attempts before pregnancy.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a larger cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Online survey administered via Qualtrics.

PARTICIPANTS

≥12 weeks pregnant, ≥18 years of age, having a singleton pregnancy and residing in Canada.

MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS

A battery of questionnaires were completed, including the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale (BIPS) sub-scale. The BIPS scores were compared based on experiences of weight stigma in pregnancy, perception towards their GWG, weight loss attempts before pregnancy, obesity, and GWG category classified as excessive or not referring to Institute of Medicine (2009) guidelines. Significant differences were entered into a linear regression model with BIPS scores as the dependent variable. Significance was accepted as p<0.05. A total of 182 participants completed the survey. There were no differences in BIPS scores based on GWG category (p = 0.160), or obesity (p = 0.230). Poorer BIPS scores were reported by those who felt they had gained 'too much' pregnancy weight than 'appropriate' (p<0.001), and among those who were trying to lose weight before pregnancy compared to those who were not (p = 0.002). Poorer BIPS scores were also reported by individuals who indicated they had experienced weight stigma during pregnancy compared to those who had not (p<0.001). Regression results showed that significant variables were perceptions towards GWG (p = 0.003) and experiencing weight stigma in pregnancy (p = 0.011).

KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Perceptions towards GWG and experiencing weight stigma can influence body dissatisfaction in pregnancy. Given the detrimental physical and psychological consequences of body dissatisfaction, effective strategies to reduce prenatal weight stigma are needed, such as training maternal healthcare providers to offer sensitive preconception and prenatal weight counselling.

An mHealth Intervention to Reduce Gestational Obesity (mami-educ): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The World Federation of Obesity warns that the main health problem of the next decade will be childhood obesity. It is known that factors such as gestational obesity produce profound effects on fetal programming and are strong predictors of overweight and obesity in children. Therefore, establishing healthy eating behaviors during pregnancy is the key to the primary prevention of the intergenerational transmission of obesity. Mobile health (mHealth) programs are potentially more effective than face-to-face interventions, especially during a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 outbreak.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an mHealth intervention to reduce excessive weight gain in pregnant women who attend family health care centers.

METHODS

The design of the intervention corresponds to a classic randomized clinical trial. The participants are pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy who live in urban and semiurban areas. Before starting the intervention, a survey will be applied to identify the barriers and facilitators perceived by pregnant women to adopt healthy eating behaviors. The dietary intake will be estimated in the same way. The intervention will last for 12 weeks and consists of sending messages through a multimedia messaging service with food education, addressing the 3 domains of learning (cognitive, affective, and psychomotor). Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the demographic, socioeconomic, and obstetric characteristics of the respondents. The analysis strategy follows the intention-to-treat principle. Logistic regression analysis will be used to compare the intervention with routine care on maternal pregnancy outcome and perinatal outcome.

RESULTS

The recruitment of study participants began in May 2022 and will end in May 2023. Results include the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing the incidence of excessive gestational weight gain. We also will examine the maternal-fetal outcome as well as the barriers and facilitators that influence the weight gain of pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this effectiveness trial will determine whether mami-educ successfully reduces rates of excessive weight gain during pregnancy. If successful, the findings of this study will generate knowledge to design and implement personalized prevention strategies for gestational obesity that can be included in routine primary care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05114174; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05114174.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/44456.

Body Image Assessment Tools in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

Pregnancy is a remarkable time and generates several changes in women in a short period. Body image is understood as the mental representation of the body itself, and, although bodily changes are considered healthy, they can impact pregnant women's body image. Problems related to body image during pregnancy can affect the health of the mother and fetus; thus, it is essential for health professionals to detect potential disorders as soon as possible. The objective of this systematic review was to identify instruments for assessing body image in pregnant women, highlighting their main characteristics. To this end, we applied the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to searches in the EMBASE, PubMed, and American Psychological Association databases from 5 January to 10 August 2021. We included studies on adult pregnant women without comorbidities in the validation and adaptation of (sub)scales that analyze components of body image. We excluded studies that considered nonpregnant, adolescent, postpartum, and/or clinical populations, as well as smoking/drug use studies that were not validation studies or did not assess any aspect of body image. We investigated the quality of the studies using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. In all, we examined 13 studies. The results point to a growing concern over body image during pregnancy, as there has been an increase in the number of validation and adaptation studies involving scales for different cultures that scrutinize different constructs. The findings suggest that the listed instruments be used in future research.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Body Understanding Measure for Pregnancy scale (BUMPs)

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Body Understanding Measure for Pregnancy scale by adapting it to Turkish society.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This methodological study was conducted with 265 pregnant women.

FINDINGS

We performed exploratory factor analysis and determined that the scale consists of 17 items and 2 subdimensions. The two-factor structure was confirmed as a result of the confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was 0.87.

PRACTISE IMPLICATIONS

The Body Understanding Measure for Pregnancy scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for measuring the body satisfaction of pregnant women for Turkish society.

Body Appreciation, Depressive Symptoms, and Self-Esteem in Pregnant and Postpartum Brazilian Women

Background

During pregnancy and the postpartum period, women experience tremendous biopsychosocial changes in a short period of time. Poor body appreciation, depressive symptoms, and low self-esteem during the perinatal period may cause negative consequences for both the mother and the infant's physiological and psychological health. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in body appreciation, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem between the three gestational trimesters and the postpartum period.

Methods

Participants (N = 1,423 pregnant and postpartum Brazilian women), aged between 18 and 42 years old (M = 29.22; SD = ±5.72), answered questionnaires on body appreciation, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem. BMI was self-reported. Descriptive and nonparametric covariance analysis were performed, comparing women who were in the first, second, and third trimesters and the postpartum period.

Results

Body appreciation was significantly higher among women in the third trimester compared to those in the first and second trimester. However, it was lower for women in all three gestational trimesters than for those in the postpartum. There was no difference in self-esteem during pregnancy, but it was significantly lower in the postpartum group. Similarly, depressive symptoms did not vary through pregnant groups but it was significantly higher in the postpartum group.

Conclusions

The results showed that the postpartum period can be a difficult experience for women. They presented poor body appreciation and lower self-esteem and higher depressive symptoms compared to the pregnancy period. Therefore, it is necessary for public health policies to support women in this period, preserving their mental health and making this experience more positive.

Simulation of 3D Body Shapes for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Several studies have reported that pre-pregnant women’s body mass index (BMI) affects women’s weight gain with complications during pregnancy and the postpartum weight retention. It is important to control the BMI before, during and after pregnancy. Our objectives are to develop a technique that can compute and visualize 3D body shapes of women during pregnancy and postpartum in various gestational ages, BMI, and postpartum durations. Body changes data from 98 pregnant and 83 postpartum women were collected, tracked for six months, and analyzed to create 3D model shapes. This study allows users to simulate their 3D body shapes in real-time and online, based on weight, height, and gestational age, using multiple linear regression and morphing techniques. To evaluate the results, precision tests were performed on simulated 3D pregnant and postpartum women’s shapes. Additionally, a satisfaction test on the application was conducted on new 149 mothers. The accuracy of the simulation was tested on 75 pregnant and 74 postpartum volunteers in terms of relationships between statistical calculation, simulated 3D models and actual tape measurement of chest, waist, hip, and inseam. Our results can predict accurately the body proportions of pregnant and postpartum women.

Positive attitudes toward weight gain in late pregnancy are associated with healthy eating behaviours

PURPOSE

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between 3rd trimester attitudes toward weight gain and (1) pre-pregnancy BMI, (2) gestational weight gain (GWG) and (3) eating behaviours assessed in the 3rd trimester.

METHODS

Seventy-nine (79) pregnant women completed the French version of the Pregnancy Weight Gain Attitude Scale (PWGAS), the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) in their 3rd trimester. Total GWG was calculated as the difference between the weight recorded before delivery and self-reported pre-pregnancy weight.

RESULTS

Most (55.6%) women gained weight above the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) recommendations, but there was no association between PWGAS scores and total or 3rd trimester GWG. Women with obesity had lower PWGAS total scores compared to women with overweight (3.48 ± 0.6 vs. 3.99 ± 0.3, p = 0.005), indicating more negative attitudes in women with obesity vs. overweight. Higher total PWGAS scores were positively correlated with intuitive eating scores (r = 0.28, p < 0.05), and inversely associated with unfavourable eating behaviours such as dietary restraint (r =  - 0.42, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Women with positive attitudes toward weight gain reported healthier eating behaviours in late pregnancy, which remains to be confirmed in prospective studies. Interventions addressing body image issues during pregnancy may positively influence pregnant women's health, including eating behaviours.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control analytic study.

"Baby Wants Tacos": Analysis of Health-Related Facebook Posts from Young Pregnant Women

Objectives Pregnant young women gain more weight than recommended by the National Academy of Medicine, increasing the likelihood of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to use online social media to understand beliefs and practices surrounding weight gain, diet and exercise during pregnancy among young women. Methods Facebook posts were mined from young women ages 16 to 24 during pregnancy who were consented from two Midwest primary care clinics serving low-income communities. Natural language processing was used to identify posts related to weight gain, exercise and diet by keyword searching. Two investigators iteratively coded the mined posts and identified major themes around health behaviors. Outcome measures included the frequency of posts and major themes regarding health behaviors during pregnancy. Results Participants (n = 43) had a mean age of 21 (SD 2.3), and the largest subgroups identified as black (49%; 26% white, 16% Hispanic, 9% other) and having graduated from high school (49%; 24% completed some high school and 24% completed at least some post-secondary education). Among the 2899 pregnancy posts analyzed, 311 were related to weight. Major themes included eating behaviors and cravings (58% of identified posts), body image (24%), the influence of family, partners and friends (14%), and the desire to exercise (4%). Conclusions for practice Facebook posts revealed that young women often frame their thoughts and feelings regarding weight gain in pregnancy in the context of food cravings and body image and that friends and family are important influencers to these behaviors.

Psychosocial stress and longitudinally measured gestational weight gain throughout pregnancy: The Ulm SPATZ Health Study

Psychosocial stress is thought to influence gestational weight gain (GWG), but results are inconsistent. We investigated the relationship of questionnaire-based maternal stress and related constructs assessed at childbirth with maternal weight measured throughout pregnancy. Data were derived from the Ulm SPATZ Health Study, a birth cohort recruited from the general population (04/2012-05/2013, Ulm, Germany). Adjusted generalized estimating equations were performed. Regression coefficients (b) and 95% confidence intervals, each highest versus lowest tertile of stress or related constructs, are presented. In 748 women, we observed positive associations for maternal chronic stress (b = 4.36 kg (1.77; 6.95)), depressive symptoms (b = 2.50 kg (0.14; 4.86)), anxiety symptoms (b = 3.26 kg (0.62, 5.89)), and hair cortisol (b = 3.35 kg (0.86; 5.83)) with maternal weight at the first gestational month. GWG was considerably lower in mothers with higher chronic stress. Pregnancy-related anxiety was positively related to weight at first month (b = 4.16 kg (1.74; 6.58)) and overall GWG. In contrast, no association was observed between anxiety symptoms and GWG. Odds ratios for association with inadequate weight gain according to Institute of Medicine recommended cutoffs differed from the results presented obove. There is evidence of an association between stress and weight gain lying beyond the recommended cut-offs, which however needs further corroboration.

Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of "Pregnancy Experience Scale" for Brazilian pregnant

Abstract Introduction: The analysis of maternal psychosocial stress during pregnancy can be an important intervention tool for maternal and infant health. Objective: To translate, culturally adapt and validate the Pregnancy Experience Scale - Brief Version - into Brazilian Portuguese for Brazilian pregnant women. Method: The scale was carried out according to the guidelines recommended by Beaton and his collaborators. Data were collected between January and September of 2016, in hospitals, basic health units, and community. In total, 206 pregnant women with an average age of 25.01 ± 6.44 years and gestational age of 25.5 ± 8.72 pregnancy weeks answered the scale for the process of psychometric analysis and validation. Results: The results indicated a two-dimensional model of the scale with two factors: Positive Experiences and Negative Experiences. The reliability was established through Cronbach’s Alpha Test (α > 0.70). The value found for the positive experiences factor was appropriate, α = 0.77. The same happened to the Negative Experiences factor, α = 0.80. These values provide evidence of the scale reliability. The convergent and concurrent validity of the instrument was established. Conclusion: The result of the psychometric study of the scale pointed out that the Pregnancy Experience Scale is an important intervention tool for the health care of mother and newborn, besides being a useful instrument to assess the experience of the women with the pregnancy, especially, the level of psychosocial stress, contributing to broaden the research in this area and subsidize support strategies for this population and women’s health policies.

Assessing body dissatisfaction in Japanese women during the second trimester of pregnancy using a new figure rating scale

During pregnancy, women re-evaluate their body image based on their increasing body weight. They are usually concerned about their body size, which leads to body dissatisfaction. In this study, we investigated body dissatisfaction among Japanese women during the second trimester, when they are recommended to gain adequate weight. A cross-sectional survey of body dissatisfaction among pregnant women was conducted using a new figure rating scale corresponding to body mass index with real-life photographs of women in their sixth month of gestation. Pregnant Japanese women expressed body dissatisfaction and preferred to be thinner by 1.6 kg/m² of their body mass index. They perceived their body size as larger than their real size, and those with a higher body mass index had more body dissatisfaction, although they were of normal weight or underweight. The results indicated that the new figure rating scale could be a useful tool to identify pregnant women with higher body dissatisfaction during the second trimester, providing an opportunity to discuss adequate gestational weight gain with pregnant women.

Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors, Dietary Intake and Gestational Weight Gain: A Narrative Review

Inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG), which has reached almost two-thirds of Canadian pregnant women, is associated with several adverse effects both in the mother and her child. The aim of this review was to establish how psychosocial factors, diet and GWG are interrelated during pregnancy. More specifically, it aimed to evaluate how psychosocial factors can impact on diet and, thus, influence GWG. Studies published through May 2017 that examined factors related to GWG were included. Of 3268 non-duplicate titles and abstract, 77 articles underwent full-text review. Regarding dietary intakes, the majority of the included studies demonstrated that a higher caloric intake was associated with an elevated GWG. Also, a negative body image and attitude toward weight gain as well as a poor knowledge of GWG recommendations and inadequate prenatal care is associated with an increased GWG. Only few studies examined altogether the factors included and conclusions about how psychosocial factors can impact on diet and, thus, influence GWG cannot be drawn at this point. In the few studies that evaluated the interrelationships between psychosocial factors, diet and GWG, energy intake was not identified as a mediator of the association between psychosocial factors and GWG. This review highlights the scarcity of findings regarding psychosocial and dietary factors in relation to GWG and the need for high quality prospective cohort studies that will include all these factors to provide a better understanding of how they are interrelated to influence short- and long-term health.

"Who does this body belong to?" The development and psychometric evaluation of the Body Experience during Pregnancy Scale

Women's experiences of their bodies during pregnancy may reflect their reactions to concrete physical changes as well as self-representations during the transition to motherhood. However, adequate measures of the body experience during pregnancy are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new measure, the Body Experience during Pregnancy Scale (BEPS). In Study 1, the BEPS was administered to 423 pregnant women. In Study 2, 373 pregnant women completed the BEPS, as well as questionnaires assessing body shame, disrupted body boundaries, and well-being. Three BEPS subscales emerged from Study 1: body agency, body estrangement, and body visibility. In Study 2, a confirmatory factor analysis replicated the scale's structure. The factors were significantly correlated with measures of body shame, disrupted body boundaries, and well-being. The results of the present analyses suggest that the BEPS has good psychometric properties, making it useful in future research.

The characterisation of overweight and obese women who are under reporting energy intake during pregnancy

Background

Misreporting of energy intake is common and can contribute to biased estimates of the relationship between diet and disease. Energy intake misreporting is poorly understood in pregnancy and there is limited research assessing characteristics of women who misreport energy intake or changes in misreporting of energy intake across pregnancy.

Methods

An observational study in n = 945 overweight or obese pregnant women receiving standard antenatal care who participated in the LIMIT randomised trial. Diet, physical activity, psychological factors, body image satisfaction and dieting behaviour were assessed at trial entry (10–20 weeks gestation) and 36 weeks gestation. Energy misreporting status was assessed through the ratio of daily energy intake over basal metabolic rate. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with the dependent variable of under reporting of energy intake at study entry or 36 weeks in separate analysis.

Results

At study entry and 36 weeks, women were classified as under reporters (38 vs 49.4%), adequate reporters (59.7 vs 49.8%) or over reporters of energy intake (2.3 vs 0.8%) respectively. The prevalence of under reporting energy intake at 36 weeks was higher than at study entry (early pregnancy). Body mass index (BMI) at study entry and 36 weeks and socioeconomic status, dieting behaviour and risk of depression at 36 weeks were independent predictors of under reporting of energy intake.

Conclusions

Under reporting of energy intake was present in over a third of overweight and obese pregnant women and was higher in late compared to early pregnancy. Characteristics such as BMI, socioeconomic status, past dieting behaviour and risk of depression may aid in identifying women who either require support in accurate recording of food intake or attention for improving diet quality. Results were unable to distinguish whether under reporting reflects misreporting or a true restriction of dietary intake.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12607000161426, registered 9/3/2007.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-018-1826-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

High incidence of body image dissatisfaction in pregnancy and the postnatal period: Associations with depression, anxiety, body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy

This study aimed to delineate the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction in pregnant women and parturients in relation to depression and anxiety symptoms. We assessed 126 pregnant women during the third trimester and 2-3days and 4-6weeks after delivery using the Body Image Scale (BIS). Many pregnant participants (34.1%) showed body image dissatisfaction (BIS score ≤3) which was associated with current antenatal depression, severity of depression, a lifetime history of mood disorders, trait anxiety, body mass index (BMI) and weight gain during pregnancy. The BIS score improved after delivery but was still associated with depression, lifetime history of mood disorders, age, BMI and weight gain during pregnancy. These findings suggest that about a third of pregnant women have a body image disturbance which is strongly associated with current and a life history of clinical depression and anxiety symptoms. Medical personnel should be alert to detect body image dissatisfaction in pregnant women because it may indicate an underlying mood disorder.

Is parity a risk factor for excessive weight gain during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyse the associations between parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG) and, when included, postpartum weight retention (PPWR). Papers reporting associations between parity and BMI and/or GWG in adult women were eligible: 2,195 papers were identified, and 41 longitudinal studies were included in the narrative synthesis; 17 studies were included in a meta-analysis. Findings indicated that parity was associated positively with pre-pregnancy BMI. In contrast, the role of parity in GWG was less clear; both positive and negative relationships were reported across studies. Parity was not associated directly with PPWR. This pattern of results was supported by our meta-analysis with the only significant association between parity and pre-pregnancy BMI. Overall, parity was associated with higher pre-pregnancy BMI; however, the role of parity in GWG and PPWR remains unclear, and it is likely that its influence is indirect and complex. Further research to better understand the contribution of parity to maternal obesity is warranted.

Body dissatisfaction among pregnant women: an integrative review of the literature

The body image of pregnant women is an issue that should be further investigated by professionals in the area, especially in view of the fact that maternal and infant health has gained such prominence. The scope of this integrative review is to analyze the literature relating to body image and body dissatisfaction among pregnant women. Research was based on articles extracted from the Scopus, PubMed, BVS and PsycINFO databases, by cross-referencing "pregnancy" with the keywords "body image" and "body dissatisfaction." Once the inclusion and exclusion criteria had been adopted, forty studies were analyzed. These produced inconclusive data about body dissatisfaction during pregnancy. Symptoms of depression, low self-esteem, an inadequate approach towards healthy eating and weight gain above recommended limits have been associated with a negative body image. The contradictory findings could be related to the different instruments used to measure body image. In view of the possible impact that a negative body image can have on maternal and infant health during pregnancy, it is recommended that further investigations are made, in particular related to the development of a specific tool to evaluate the body image of pregnant women.

Imagem corporal, atitudes alimentares, sintomas depressivos, autoestima e ansiedade em gestantes de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Resumo As mudanças vivenciadas pelas gestantes podem impactar negativamente as atitudes corporais e as variáveis associadas. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência das atitudes alimentares, sintomas depressivos, autoestima, ansiedade e IMC na imagem corporal de gestantes. Este estudo quantitativo e transversal contou com 386 gestantes de todas as idades gestacionais, entre 18 a 46 anos de idade (média de 29,32 ± 6,04 anos) da cidade de Juiz de Fora-MG. Foram aplicados instrumentos para avaliar atitudes corporais, atitudes alimentares, sintomas depressivos, autoestima e ansiedade. Foram coletados dados antropométricos e obstétricos. Realizou-se análises estatísticas descritivas, comparativas e correlacionais. Os achados indicaram correlações significativas entre as atitudes corporais e: atitudes alimentares inadequadas (r = 0,478), sintomas depressivos (r = 0,387), baixa autoestima (r = 0,431) e elevado IMC (r = 0,339). Além disso, essas variáveis juntas exerceram influência de 41,4% sobre a imagem corporal negativa das gestantes. Assim, recomenda-se a avaliação e a orientação nutricional e psicológica a fim de detectar e prevenir psicopatologias, tendo em vista a saúde materna e infantil.

Imagem corporal de gestantes: um estudo longitudinal

RESUMO Objetivos Comparar atitudes corporais, atitudes alimentares, sintomas depressivos, autoestima, ansiedade e índice de massa corporal (IMC) de gestantes em diferentes momentos ao longo da gestação, bem como verificar a influência que as variáveis estudadas exercem sobre as atitudes corporais no primeiro, segundo e terceiro trimestre gestacional. Métodos Foram incluídas 17 gestantes que frequentavam o exame pré-natal na cidade de Juiz de Fora-MG, entre 22 e 41 anos de idade (média de 30,76 ± 5,65 anos), excluindo-se aquelas com dados incompletos. Como instrumentos de avaliação utilizaram-se: Body Attitudes Questionnaire, Eating Attitudes Test-26, Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, a versão curta do Brazilian State-Trait Anxiety Inventory e o questionário sociodemográfico. Ademais, foram coletados dados antropométricos e obstétricos. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas, comparativas e correlacionais. Resultados O IMC, as atitudes corporais negativas e a subescala “sentimento de gordura” aumentaram progressivamente ao longo da gestação (p < 0,01). As atitudes alimentares, os sintomas depressivos, a autoestima e a ansiedade-estado não diferiram estatisticamente nos três momentos avaliados (p > 0,05). Além disso, o IMC explicou 31% da variância das atitudes direcionadas ao corpo no primeiro trimestre, enquanto as atitudes alimentares foram responsáveis por 30% e 46% das atitudes corporais no segundo e terceiro trimestre, respectivamente. Conclusões As atitudes corporais, as atitudes alimentares, os sintomas depressivos, a autoestima e a ansiedade mantiveram-se constantes ao longo da gestação. O IMC e as atitudes alimentares influenciaram a imagem corporal em gestantes. Sugere-se a criação de instrumentos específicos a fim de um melhor entendimento das preocupações relacionadas ao corpo de gestantes.

Factors Associated With Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: Review of Current Literature

Background:

Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) places women at increased risk for complications during pregnancy and also increases the likelihood that they will remain overweight after pregnancy. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended weight gain guidelines based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), but evidence-based strategies to achieve these goals are limited.

Objective:

This review discusses factors associated with EGWG with the goal of identifying targets for future intervention.

Methods:

A search was performed using the PubMed database to identify all English-language papers published between 1995 and 2014 related to excessive weight gain in pregnancy. Papers were grouped by theme: preconception BMI, sociodemographics, diet and exercise, psychosocial characteristics, and type of prenatal care.

Results:

Studies found that women who were overweight or obese at the time of conception were at higher risk of EGWG and that increased physical activity protected against EGWG. Studies on diet and sociodemographic characteristics were inconclusive. Psychological factors, specifically accurate perceptions of BMI, also appear to play a role in EGWG. Limited studies on methods of prenatal care delivery did not show improvement of weight parameters with group compared to one-on-one visits.

Conclusion:

Pre-pregnancy BMI is most strongly associated with EGWG, indicating that healthy weight habits throughout adult life may be especially important in periods of expected weight change, such as pregnancy. To decrease EGWG, providers should focus on improving pre-conception BMI through appropriate counseling on healthy eating and increased physical activity as well as encouraging pregnant women to continue moderate exercise during pregnancy when appropriate.

The perspectives of obese women receiving antenatal care: A qualitative study of women's experiences

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing amongst women of child bearing age. Maternal obesity has implications for both mother and baby including increased health risks from gestational hypertensive disorders, caesarean section and stillbirth. Despite the increasing prevalence of maternal obesity little is known of the experiences of these women within the health care system. The aim of this research was to investigate the perspectives of pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30kg/m(2) receiving antenatal care.

METHODS

A qualitative study using individual interviews was undertaken. Sixteen pregnant women with a BMI ≥30kg/m(2) participated. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, cross checked for consistency and then entered into a word processing document for analysis. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. In any phenomenological study the researcher's objective is to elicit the participant's views on their lived experiences.

FINDINGS

Four major themes emerged: (1) obese during pregnancy as part of a long history of obesity; (2) lack of knowledge of the key complications of obesity for both mother and child; (3) communication about weight and gestational weight gain can be conflicting, confusing and judgmental; (4) most women are motivated to eat well during pregnancy and want help to do so.

CONCLUSION

Specialist lifestyle interventions for obese women should be a priority in antenatal care. Extra support is required to assist obese women in pregnancy achieve recommended nutritional and weight goals. Health professionals should approach the issue of maternal obesity in an informative but non-judgmental way.

Psychosocial factors and excessive gestational weight gain: The effect of parity in an Australian cohort

OBJECTIVES

psychosocial variables can be protective or risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Parity has also been associated with GWG; however, its effect on psychosocial risk factors for GWG is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate if, and how, psychosocial factors vary in their impact on the GWG of primiparous and multiparous women.

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS

pregnant women were recruited in 2011 via study advertisements placed in hospitals, online, in parenting magazines, and at baby and children's markets, resulting in a sample of 256 women (113 primiparous, 143 multiparous). Participants completed questionnaires at 16-18 weeks' gestation and their pregravid BMI was recorded. Final weight before delivery was measured and used to calculate GWG.

FINDINGS

the findings revealed that primiparous women had significantly higher feelings of attractiveness (a facet of body attitude; p=0.01) than multiparous women. Hierarchical regressions revealed that in the overall sample, increased GWG was associated significantly with lower pre-pregnancy BMI (standardised coefficient β=-0.39, p<0.001), higher anxiety symptoms (β=0.25, p=0.004), and reduced self-efficacy to eat a healthy diet (β=-0.20, p=0.02). Although higher GWG was predicted significantly by decreased feelings of strength and fitness for primiparous women (β=-0.25, p=0.04) and higher anxiety was related significantly to greater GWG for multiparous women (β=0.43, p<0.001), statistical comparison of the model across the two groups suggested the magnitude of these effects did not differ across groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

the findings suggest that psychosocial screening and interventions by healthcare professionals may help to identify women who are at risk of excessive GWG, and there may be specific psychosocial factors that are more relevant for each parity group.

Psychosocial risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy can have adverse health outcomes for mother and infant throughout pregnancy. However, few studies have identified the psychosocial factors that contribute to women gaining excessive weight during pregnancy.

AIM

To review the existing literature that explores the impact of psychosocial risk factors (psychological distress, body image dissatisfaction, social support, self-efficacy and self-esteem) on excessive gestational weight gain.

METHODS

A systematic review of peer-reviewed English articles using Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, Informit, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted. Quantitative studies that investigated psychosocial factors of excessive GWG, published between 2000 and 2014 were included. Studies investigating mothers with a low risk of mental health issues and normally-developing foetuses were eligible for inclusion. From the total of 474 articles located, 12 articles were identified as relevant and were subsequently reviewed in full.

FINDINGS

Significant associations were found between depression, body image dissatisfaction, and social support with excessive gestational weight gain. No significant relationships were reported between anxiety, stress, self-efficacy, or self-esteem and excessive gestational weight gain.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between psychosocial factors and weight gain in pregnancy is complex; however depression, body dissatisfaction and social support appear to have a direct relationship with excessive gestational weight gain. Further research is needed to identify how screening for, and responding to, psychosocial risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain can be successfully incorporated into current antenatal care.

Psychological antecedents of excess gestational weight gain: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Excess gestational weight gain (GWG), which has reached epidemic proportions, is associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum obesity in women and children. Psychological variables represent potentially modifiable factors. Moreover, previous systematic reviews on GWG interventions have called for the need for a clearer understanding of psychological factors affecting GWG. Hence, a systematic review was conducted to summarize the relation between psychological factors and GWG.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched, and the guidelines on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were followed. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Two assessors independently reviewed titles, abstracts and full articles, extracted data and assessed quality.

RESULTS

A total of 6198 titles and abstracts were reviewed of which 90 full text articles were retrieved. Thirty-five studies (25 cohort, eight cross-sectional and two case-control) met the inclusion criteria, assessing 26 different psychological constructs in affect, cognitions and personality. Negative affective states such as depression, anxiety and stress were not related to excess GWG. Among weight-related and dietary-related cognitions, risk factors for excess GWG included concern about weight gain, negative body image and attitude towards weight gain, inaccurate perceptions regarding weight, higher than recommended target weight gain, less knowledge about weight gain, higher levels of cognitive dietary restraint, and perceived barriers to healthy eating. Protective factors included an internal locus of control for weight gain, lower than recommended target weight gain and higher self-efficacy for healthy eating. Only one study examined the relation between personality and excess GWG.

CONCLUSION

In this systematic review, a number of cognitive factors were identified that were associated with excess GWG. To address excess GWG, more high quality, adequately powered studies are required examining cognitions, motivation and personality factors.

Modifying diet and physical activity to support pregnant women who are overweight or obese

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Overweight and obesity represent a significant health burden during pregnancy, placing women and their infants at increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Although there is considerable observational literature describing the effect of gestational weight gain in pregnancy, research efforts have focused on limiting gestational weight gain among pregnant women who are overweight or obese, with limited reporting of clinical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

The LIMIT randomized trial recruited 2212 pregnant women with a BMI at least 25 kg/m2. Providing an antenatal dietary and lifestyle intervention was associated with significant improvements in maternal diet and physical activity patterns, and a significant reduction in the risk of infants being born with high birth weight.

SUMMARY

The findings of the LIMIT randomized trial provide the first evidence that changes in maternal diet and physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the risk of high infant birth weight among women who are overweight or obese, and from a public health perspective, may represent a significant strategy to tackle the increasing problem of childhood and adulthood obesity.

Exercise in pregnancies complicated by obesity: achieving benefits and overcoming barriers

An increasing number of women are entering pregnancy in an overweight or obese state. Obese women and their offspring are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, which may be improved by regular moderate-intensity antenatal exercise. Current guidelines recommend that all pregnant women without contraindications engage in ≥30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on a daily basis. However, obese women are usually less physically active and tend to further reduce activity levels during pregnancy. This commentary summarizes the potential short- and long-term benefits of antenatal exercise in obese pregnant women, highlights the challenges they face, and discusses means of improving their exercise levels. In addition, we make recommendations on exercise prescription for pregnancies complicated by obesity.

The views and attitudes of health professionals providing antenatal care to women with a high BMI: a qualitative research study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing amongst women of child bearing age. The objective of this study was to investigate the views and attitudes of providers of antenatal care for women who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m(2) and over.

METHODS

A qualitative study using focus groups was undertaken within the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a large teaching hospital in south-eastern Australia. Three focus group discussions were held. One with hospital midwives (n=10), one with continuity of care midwives (n=18) and one with obstetricians (n=5). Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

FINDINGS

Six dominant themes emerged: (1) obesity puts the health of mothers, babies and health professionals at risk; (2) overweight and obesity has become the norm; (3) weighing women and advising about weight gain is out of fashion; (4) weight is a sensitive topic to discuss; (5) there are significant barriers to weight control in pregnancy; and (6) health professionals and women need to deal with maternal obesity. These themes are drawn together to form a model representing current health care issues for these women.

CONCLUSION

Health professionals, who have a high BMI, can find it difficult to discuss obesity during antenatal visits with obese women. Specialist dietary interventions and evidence based guidelines for working with child-bearing women is seen as a public health priority by health care professionals.