Postpartum Weight Retention in Thai Singleton Pregnant Women with Normal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index

Abstract

Objective:To determine the mean postpartum weight retention in Thai singleton pregnant women with normal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) at sixth week postpartum period. Study design: Descriptive study Materials and Methods: Six weeks after delivery, 185 women who visited postpartum clinic and reached the inclusion criteria (Thai pregnancy with normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9 kg./m2), no medical or obstetric complications during pregnancy with term delivery and normal birth weight infant) were included. The questionnaires including age, parity, height, pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, body weight at postpartum visit, monthly income and the other factors (breastfeeding, nutritional status, physical activity) were recorded and further statistically analyzed. Results:Mean weight retention at sixth weeks postpartum in Thai singleton pregnancy with normal pre-pregnancy BMI was 4.99 ± 4.03 kg. Nineteenth point four six (36/185) and zero point five four percent (1/185) of these women became overweight and obesity, respectively. Gestational weight gain, breastfeeding behavior and daily dietary composition during postpartum period were the significant factors (P<0.05) which affected the postpartum weight retention. Conclusion: Mean weight retention at sixth weeks postpartum in Thai singleton pregnancy with normal pre-pregnancy BMI was 4.99 ± 4.03 kg. The recommendation for the optimal gestational weight gain, absolute breastfeeding and the appropriate nutrition after delivery and the suggestion of weight reduction at postpartum visit are the important issues which the obstetricians should be concerned.

Keywords

• postpartum weight retention
• pre-pregnancy BMI
• postpartum BMI