Dietary intake and weight gain of pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic at Adeoyo Maternity Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Birth-weight remains an indicator for survivalof infants and a summary of maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Low birth-weight is prevalent in developing countries and contributes to infant mortality. Weight gain during pregnancy is a good predictor of birth-weight and window of opportunity to reduce LBW rates. Average weight gain and nutrient intake adequacy during pregnancy in Nigeria is not published.

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the nutrient intake and weight gain of pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: Two hundred pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at a maternity hospital were recruited, dietary intake was assessed usingan interactive 24-hour dietary recall technique. The hospital records of 381 mothers who received ante-natal care at the hospital during their pregnancy were retrieved to obtained information on socio-demographic characteristics, gestational weight gain and birth weight of their new-born.

Results: The mean age of the pregnant women was 29±1.2years; about 40% each had tertiary and secondary school education. About 54% were artisans, 24% were civil servants and 10% were house-wives. Birth-weight from this study was 3.05±0.55kg with 7.8% of the babies born LBW.Inadequate intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, calcium, and iron arehereby reported. About 50% of the mothers gained 11-15kg, 22% gained 6-10kg. Mean weight gain in this study was12.36±4.2 kg.

Conclusion: There was a positive relationship between pregnancy weight gain and birth-weight, therefore, dietary intake, nutrient adequacy and weight gain in pregnancy should be given due attention among pregnant women in order to improve birth-weight and reduce low birth weight rates.

Keywords: Pregnant women, Nutrient intake, weight gain