Centering Pregnancy Impact on Patterns of Weight Gain in an Inner City Community Teaching Hospital [30D

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Centering or group pregnancy, has been shown to have an impact on reduction of preterm births. The impact on the health education and group support on weight gain has been poorly studied. A group of centering pregnancy (CP) participants were assessed for patterns of weight gain or loss in an urban inner city community teaching hospital. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of a prospectively maintained database of participants in CP. RESULTS: One-hundred-forty-six patients were offered CP, their charts were reviewed. A total of 72 did not continue (relocation, lost to follow up, miscarriage, referral to MFM). The total included were 74 participants. Of those: 40 were English, and 34 were Spanish speaking. Racial composition included: 8 non-Hispanic origin, 41 Hispanic origin, 18 African-American, 6 Asian, and 1 Caucasian. All were covered via Medicaid. Average age was 27 years (range 16–41 years). Majority were compliant with all visits (76%), 17.5% missed one visit, 6.7% missed 2 or. Gestational age (GA) at delivery was 31.4 weeks (IOL for severe pre-eclampsia) to 41.2; two deliveries were less than 37 weeks GA. Type of delivery comprised of 61% (N=45) vaginal delivery, and 39% (n=29) via cesarean delivery. Average pre-pregnancy BMI was 27.5 kg/m2 (range 17–40.4). Average weight gain by midtrimester: 15 lbs (range 0–36 lbs). Average weight gain by delivery was 26 lbs (range 2–65 lbs). All patients that came for postpartum visit (PPV) had weight loss (7 lost to follow up). PPV ranged from 5–8 weeks, with average weight loss of 19 lbs (range 2–24 lbs). CONCLUSION: The impact of centering on weight management, is an opportunity for enhanced health education and support.