Risk factors for excessive gestational weight gain in a UK population: a biopsychosocial model approach

Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) can have implications for the health of both mother and child. However, the contributing factors remain unclear. Despite the advantages of using a biopsychosocial approach, this approach has not been applied to study GWG in the UK. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of excessive GWG in a UK population, employing a biopsychosocial model. Methods: This study utilised data from the longitudinal Grown in Wales (GiW) cohort, which recruited women in late pregnancy in South Wales. Specifically, data was collected from midwife recorded notes and an extensive questionnaire completed prior to an elective caesarean section (ELCS) delivery. GWG was categorised according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. The analysis was undertaken for 275 participants. Results: In this population 56.0% of women had excessive GWG. Increased prenatal depression symptoms (Exp(B)=1.10, p=.019) and an overweight (Exp(B)=4.16, p<.001) or obese (Exp(B)=4.20, p=.010) pre-pregnancy BMI, consuming alcohol in pregnancy (Exp(B)=.37, p=.005) and an income of less than 18,000 pound (Exp(B)=.24, p=.043) and 25-43,000 pound (Exp(B)=.25, p=.002) were associated with excessive GWG. Conclusion: GWG is complex and influenced by a range of biopsychosocial factors, with the high prevalence of excessive weight gain in this population a cause for concern. Women in the UK may benefit from a revised approach toward GWG within the National Health Service (NHS), such as tracking weight gain throughout pregnancy. Additionally, this research provides evidence for potential targets for future interventions, and potentially at-risk populations to target, to improve GWG outcomes.

Automated summary

This study investigated the risk factors for excessive GWG in a UK population, finding that prenatal depression symptoms, overweight or obese pre-pregnancy BMI, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and lower income were associated with excessive weight gain. The study highlights the complexity of GWG influenced by biopsychosocial factors and suggests potential targets for interventions to improve outcomes in GWG.