THE EFFECT OF DIETARY COUSELING ON GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND GLUCOSE METABOLIS IN OBESE PREGNANT WOMAN

THE EFFECT OF DIETARY COUSELING ON GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND GLUCOSE METABOLIS IN OBESE PREGNANT WOMAN

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of  dietary couseling on gestational weight gain and glucose metabolis in obese pregnant woman. Specifically, the study sought to describe the general characteristics of pregnant women in rural and urban areas of Ebonyi State, to assess the nutrition knowledge of the respondents; assess their dietary practices and their perception of the effect of poor nutrition on pregnancy outcome in rural and urban areas of Ebonyi state. The population for this study was made up of all the pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in hospitals and maternity homes in Ebonyi State.  Ebonyi state was stratified into three strata. Simple random sampling was used to draw four hundred pregnant women who participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Information from focus group discussion was used to produce the questionnaire. A three day weighed food intake was conducted on a sub-sample of 60 respondents. Data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression analyses. Findings revealed that Twenty percent (20%), 32.9% and 47.1% had poor, fair and good knowledge respectively of the foods that make up an adequate diet; 90.4% and 9.6% had poor and fair knowledge of nutrient sources and deficiencies.  Weight gain was normal for  32.7% while 61.5%  of the respondents gained  above normal weight. About 86.1% and 13.9% had normal and poor haemoglobin status, respectively.  The findings of this study support the reactivation and expansion of the mother and child health pragramme and free antenatal care in order to promoted dietary counseling.

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

With the worldwide increasing prevalence of obesity, maternal obesity is now one of the most common high-risk obstetric conditions (Galtier et all 1995).  Preconceptional obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are important preventable risk factors for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality (Edwards 2010). Maternal obesity is associated with higher risks of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia and other hypertensive diseases, late fetal death, macrosomia, and cesarean delivery  (Gunderson 2000). Whereas excessive gestational weight gain is an independent risk factor of high birth weight, cesarean and operative deliveries, and postpartum maternal weight retention (Olson 2003).

The knowledge of nutrition by pregnant women is very important, as this will enable them to know the kind of food or drugs to take at any given time. The knowledge of nutrition enables pregnant women to be aware of the type of nutrition to be taken, helps pregnant women to identity and eat those foods that assist their unborn babies to be healthy (Uzor, 2006). Believing in an intake of particular foods by pregnant women is very essential, because pregnant women who believe in taking certain foods and drugs not only remain healthy, but assist their unborn babies to be healthy. Pregnant women who believe in taking certain diets, deliver their babies strong and healthy (Siimon, 2000) .Maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy is an important determinant of birth weight. High rate of Low Birth Weight (LBW) in developing countries has been attributed to poor maternal nutrition (Ogunjuyigbe et al., 2008) Pregnancy is a time of tremendous physiological change that demands healthy dietary lifestyle choices. Growing foetus draws a lot of energy and nutrients from the mother to enhance physical and psychological development (Ojo and Briggs, 2010).

 

Weight gain during pregnancy has generally been neglected in obesity research due to the relatively short period of gestation compared to total lifespan. With the worldwide increased prevalence of obesity and the high percentage of women with excessive gestational weight retention, the topic has become increasingly significant ( Ryan 2004). In this study, we investigate whether restriction of gestational weight gain in obese women can be achieved by dietary counseling

1.2       Statement of the Problem

In our society, there is strong attachment to beliefs and cultural norms even among the educated ones. While we agree that some of these beliefs and the practices are good, the others may not be so good. Recorded advances in medicine and medical services not withstanding, majority of the pregnant women seem to prefer taking instruction on nutrition and antenatal healthcare from traditional birth attendants. This diverse information have effect on the health of pregnant women thus the need to carry out this study on effect of nutritional knowledge, beliefs and practices among pregnant women.

Understanding what they eat and what they forbid or abhor will enable the health worker structure a balance diet for them in line with available local food stuffs. Also, finding a means of spreading health talk on nutrition during pregnancy

1.3 Research questions

The research questions to be addresses in this work include:

1. What is the level of  nutrition knowledge of pregnant women in Nigeria!
2. What are the dietary habits of pregnant women in Nigeria?

• What are the effects of mothers’ nutrition knowledge, nutritional status and nutrient intake on pregnancy outcome in Nigeria?

 

1.4       Objectives of the study

The general objective of the study was to determine the  effect of dietary couseling on gestational weight gain and glucose metabolis in obese pregnant woman. The specific objectives included to:

 

1. assess the nutrition knowledge of pregnant women in Nigeria.
2. assess the dietary habits of pregnant women in Nigeria.
3. determine the effects of mothers’ nutrition knowledge, nutritional status and nutrient intake on pregnancy outcome in Nigeria

 

1.5       Significance of the study

The results of this study could help policy makers review existing and future policies and programmes regarding maternal  heallth.

Nutritionists and health practitioners will use the result of this study to design nutrition educate packages for mothers and would be mothers on the importance of promoting optimal nutrient intake.

Students of human nutrition and other related fields of study will be motivated by the result of this study to engage more on studies pertaining to maternal health.

 

THE EFFECT OF DIETARY COUSELING ON GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND GLUCOSE METABOLIS IN OBESE PREGNANT WOMAN

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