Dietary patterns and weight gain: Observational study with pregnant women in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Objective: To compare the consumption of macronutrients and micronutrients and other variables associated with gestational weight gain in pregnant women in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Francisco Beltrão, Paraná. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with 369 pregnant women residing in the municipality of Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, assisted by the Unified Health System (SUS). Data was collected through a questionnaire and 24-hour food recall, tabulated using Microsoft Office Excel® 2016, and the food recall was entered into the Nutrilife® software. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® 25.0 software. Results: A total of 369 pregnant women, with an average age of 26 years, were surveyed. According to weight gain classification, 46.4% of the pregnant women had inadequate weight gain, and 39.2% had adequate weight gain. Those with adequate weight gain showed higher consumption of lipids, fibers, and sodium (p<0.05). When comparing the groups with adequate and inadequate weight gain regarding micronutrient consumption, only iron showed a statistically significant difference. Family income and lack of pregnancy planning were associated with weight gain. Conclusion: The prevalence of excessive gestational weight gain was associated with the dietary intake of the pregnant women, which exhibited a Western pattern, resulting in inadequacy in the consumption of macronutrients and micronutrients. The variables family income and lack of pregnancy planning were associated with weight gain.