A mixed method study evaluating the integration of pregnancy weight gain charts into antenatal care

Bibliographic Data

ID15535547
AuthorsSusan J de Jersey (0000-0001-6321-8558, Queensland University of Technology, corresponding author), Taylor Guthrie (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital), Jeanette Tyler (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital), Wan Yin Ling (Queensland University of Technology), Hilary Powlesland (0000-0002-5774-9907, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital), Clare Byrne (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital), Karen New (0000-0002-6196-2452, The University of Queensland)
Year2018
Volume15
Issue3
Pagese12750-e12750
Publication date2018-11-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.12750
PMID30423601
OpenAlexW2901517887
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited35

Monitoring pregnancy weight can reduce excess gestational weight gain (GWG), and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines as part of routine care. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of routine weight monitoring using a pregnancy weight gain chart (PWGC), and assess health care professionals (HCPs) and pregnant women's attitudes and practices around its use. A semiquantitative survey was conducted with a consecutive sample of antenatal women at 16 and 36 weeks gestation. Women were weighed, and a PWGC audit done at 36 weeks gestation to assess adherence to chart use and GWG. A cross-sectional survey of antenatal HCPs at the Australian facility assessed staff attitudes and practices relating to weight monitoring and PWGC use. Of the 291 women surveyed, 68% reported being given a PWGC. Of the audited PWGCs (n = 258), 54% had less than three weights recorded, 36% had errors, and 3% were unused. All HCPs surveyed (n = 42) were aware of the PWGC, 63% reported using it to track GWG regularly and 26% believed it to be only the woman's responsibility (i.e., not the midwife's role) to complete it. Seventy-six percent reported they needed more training in counselling pregnant women, and insufficient time was a main barrier to weighing and conversing with women. It is feasible to implement a PWGC into routine antenatal care. Clarity over women's and HCPs responsibility for monitoring GWG and completion of the PWGC is needed. Training on correct PWGC use and counselling and workforce engagement are required to overcome barriers and support healthy GWG

Audit · Body weight · Environmental health · Family medicine · Gestation · Obstetrics · Population · Pregnancy · Prenatal care · Weight gain · Workforce · Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes · Gestational Diabetes Research and Management · Medicine · Obesity and Health Practices

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