Putting Knowledge into Practice—The Challenge of Acquiring Healthy Habits during Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge concerning gestational weight gain (GWG), nutrition, and physical exercise (PE) in pregnant women, and how to put them into practice.

Methods A cross-sectional study with 61 pregnant women above 26 weeks of gestation, at the Woman's Hospital, CAISM, University of Campinas. Questionnaires regarding the knowledge of healthy habits (HH) during pregnancy, sociodemographic data, and previous obstetric outcomes were applied. An educational guide with advice on HH during pregnancy and in the postpartum period was offered.

Results The average age of women was 28.7 ± 6.23 years, with 85% of them being married; 32% nulliparous; the average body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was 25.4 ± 9.8 kg/m², and the mean number of years of schooling was 11.2 ± 3.8. Only 61% of the subjects had received any previous information about GWG during their antenatal care and were aware as to how many pounds they should gain during pregnancy. Among the 61 women, 85% understood that they did not need to “eat for 2” and 99% knew that PE had benefits for their body and was safe for their baby. Half of the women practiced PE prior to pregnancy; however, only 31% continued the practice of PE during the pregnancy.

Conclusion Despite understanding the need for HH during pregnancy, women still need encouragement to practice PE during pregnancy, as well as more information about GWG.

Resumo

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os conhecimentos sobre ganho de peso gestacional (GPG), nutrição, e exercício físico (EF) em gestantes e o quanto elas os colocam em prática.

Métodos Estudo transversal realizado no Hospital da Mulher, CAISM, Unicamp, com 61 gestantes acima das 26 semanas gestacionais. Questionários sobre conhecimento de hábitos saudáveis (HS) durante a gestação, dados sociodemográficos, e antecedentes obstétricos foram aplicados. Um guia educacional com conselhos sobre HS durante a gravidez e período pós-parto foi oferecido.

Resultados A idade média das mulheres foi de 28,7 ± 6,23 anos, sendo 85% casadas, 32% nulíparas, o índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio antes da gestação foi de 25,4 ± 9,8 kg/m², e a média de anos de escolaridade foi de 11,2 ± 3,8. Apenas 61% das mulheres entrevistadas haviam recebido informações prévias sobre o GPG durante o pré-natal e sabiam quantos quilos deveriam ganhar durante a gravidez. Entre as mulheres, 85% sabiam que não precisavam “comer por dois,” e 99% sabiam que o EF tinha benefícios para seu corpo e era seguro para seu bebê. Metade das mulheres praticava EF antes da gravidez, mas apenas 31% continuaram praticando durante a gravidez.

Conclusão Apesar de compreender a necessidade de HS durante a gravidez, as mulheres ainda precisam de incentivo para praticar EF durante a gravidez, bem como mais informações sobre o GPG.

Keywords

healthy habits - gestation - weight gain - nutrition - physical exercise - antenatal education

Palavras-chave

hábitos saudáveis - gestação - ganho de peso - nutrição - exercício físico - educação pré-natal

Contributions

A. C. G. M. and F. G. S. designed the research; A. C. G. M. and J. F. C. conducted the research; S. S. M., A. C. G. M., D. S. M. P., M. P. P., and F. G. S. analyzed the data; A. C. G. M., D. S. M. P., M. P. P., and F. G. S. wrote the paper; A. C. G. M. and F. G. S. had primary responsibility for the final content.

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