PRE-GESTATIONAL AND GESTATIONAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS: AN ANALYSIS OF PREGNANT WOMEN ADMITTED TO A PUBLIC HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the pre-gestational and current nutritional status of pregnant women and its intercurrences that influence on the maternal health. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study had a convenience sample composed by 36 pregnant women. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire containing open questions and dichotomous and multiple-choice closed questions. Information referring to age, nutritional status, pre-gestational and gestational weight, existing pathologies and obstetric outcome was collected. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software and presented by descriptive statistics. Results: The age of the pregnant women ranged from 14 to 39 years and it was observed that 11.1% of the women presented malnutrition in the pre-gestational period and this percentage increased to 27.7% during pregnancy. Overweight increased from 22.2% in the pre-gestational period to 33.3% during pregnancy. The mean pre-gestational weight was 58.8 kg (±6.77 kg) while the mean gestational weight was 68.0 kg (±12.2 kg). The mean weight gain in the patients who had vaginal delivery was 9.2 kg, while in those who had cesarean section delivery the mean weight gain was 12.2 kg. Conclusion: It was observed an increase in malnutrition and overweight during pregnancy, demonstrating the importance of having a healthy diet and a maintaining an adequate weight gain during pregnancy in order to preserve mother-child health. DESCRIPTORS: Pregnant Women. Nutritional Status. Weight Gain. Obesity.