The relation between weight retention in the first three months post-partum and weight gain and diet during gestation

Abstract

Objectives: to study weight retention in women in the first three months post-partum and its correlation with gestational weight gain (GWG) and diet. Methods: a cohort study of 61 women was conducted. The Food Intake Frequency Questionnaire (FIFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a questionnaire on breastfeeding and anthropometric data were applied. Evaluations were conducted between 24 and 48 hours post-partum, and after 7, 15, 30 and 90 days. Weight retention was calculated by subtracting pre-gestational weight from weight three months post-partum. The statistical tests used were the Pearson and Spearman correlations, Student’s t test, multiple comparisons with Bonferroni’s adjustment, and linear regression. Results: the mean age was 28±7.0 years, with median daily food intake during pregnancy of 3,670.3 kcal, GWG of 12.0 kg and weight retention in the first three months of 3.2 Kg. A significant association was found between weight retention in the first three months post-partum and GWG (p<0.001) and parity (p<0.05). For each kilo gained during pregnancy, 0.8 kg was retained in the first three months. Conclusions: weight retention three months postpartum was found to be greater the greater the GWG and the number of previous births.