Obstetrics and Gynecology · 1992 · 174 citations · 0 references
MedicineMaternal HealthObstetricsBreastfeedingMaternal Health EducationMaternal NutritionGestational Weight GainPostpartum CarePregnancyPrenatal CareWeight LossWeight ManagementMaternal Weight AssessmentMaternal Weight GainMaternal Weight LossNutrition Counseling During PuerperiumWeight Loss AnalysisWeight Loss MeasurementWeight Management Before PregnancyWeight Retention After Pregnancy
A study group of 795 women was followed with frequent weight measurements and questionnaires about their activities for 6 months postpartum. The mean (+/- SD) net weight gain from the first prenatal visit to 6 months postpartum was 1.4 +/- 4.8 kg. Weight gain during prenatal care was the variable most highly correlated to weight loss. Return to work outside the home, parity, and smoking also correlated significantly to weight loss. Breast-feeding, exercise, season of the year, age, and marital status were not correlated. Route of delivery was related to weight loss at 2 and 6 weeks, but not at 6 months. Counseling women about weight gain during pregnancy and weight loss requires an understanding of these variables with a long-term perspective of at least 6 months.