An Exploratory Study of the Factors Related to Weight Gain and Weight Retention for Pregnant and Postpartum Black and Hispanic Women
Obesity is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Rates of obesity are increasing disproportionately among young women of reproductive age, particularly ethnic minority women who are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and related cardio vascular disease. Obese women in pregnancy are more likely to experience significant complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Their babies are more likely to be born with birth defects or macrodome and to develop obesity in the future, further repeating the cycle. Traditional prenatal visits are not designed to teach women the skills necessary to effectively control weight gain during pregnancy. A new model of group prenatal care called Centering Pregnancy has many qualities found in successful weight loss programs. However, little is known about how to best provide education and support to this population in relation to appropriate weight gain during pregnancy. Barbara Hackley's study will explore factors related to excessive weigh gain during pregnancy and postpartum weight gain in Black and Hispanic women. The project will provide additional knowledge regarding excessive weight gain during pregnancy and postpartum weight retention and provide a basis for future studies designed to develop culturally appropriate approaches that could be adapted for use in the Centering Pregnancy Model.
