Predictors of gestational weight gain and its association with post-natal growth of children under two years

BackgroundAlthough majority of previous studies have investigated the relationship between gestational weight gain (GWG) and pregnancy outcomes, there is a paucity of information on how GWG relates with post-natal growth outcomes. This study assessed the predictors of GWG and how it associates with postnatal growth outcomes of children under two years in the East Mamprusi Municipality of Ghana. MethodsA facility-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 mother-child pairs attending child welfare clinics in selected health facilities. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with inadequate gestational weight gain and multivariable linear regression was used to identify predictors of length-for-age z scores (LAZ). ResultsInadequate GWG rate was high in the population at 90.3% based on the recommended IOM criteria on GWG. The key predictors of GWG were first trimester BMI and gravidity. A unit increase in the first trimester BMI was associated with 31 % protection against inadequate rate of GWG, AOR= 0.69 (95% CI: 0.58 to 0.82, and p<0.001). Children of women with inadequate GWG had a significant lower LAZ, compared with their colleagues who were born to women who had adequate GWG [beta coefficient ({beta}), = -0.181 (95% CI: -2.72 to -0.14, p = 0.03)]. Inadequate GWG was associated with low length-for-age z scores (LAZ) among children aged 0-6 months. ConclusionsThere is a need for targeted nutritional programs to support adequate weight gain during pregnancy, especially for mothers with higher gravidity so as to reduce the prevalence of child stunting.