Postpartum Weight Retention in Thai Singleton Pregnant Women with Normal Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index

Abstract

Objective: To determine the mean postpartum weight retention in Thai singleton pregnant
women with normal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) at sixth week postpartum period.
Study design: Descriptive study
Materials and Methods: Six weeks after delivery, 185 women who visited postpartum clinic and
reached the inclusion criteria (Thai pregnancy with normal pre-pregnancy BMI (18.5-24.9
kg./m2), no medical or obstetric complications during pregnancy with term delivery and
normal birth weight infant) were included. The questionnaires including age, parity, height,
pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, body weight at postpartum visit, monthly
income and the other factors (breastfeeding, nutritional status, physical activity) were
recorded and further statistically analyzed.
Results: Mean weight retention at sixth weeks postpartum in Thai singleton pregnancy with
normal pre-pregnancy BMI was 4.99 ± 4.03 kg. Nineteenth point four six (36/185)
and zero point five four percent (1/185) of these women became overweight and obesity,
respectively. Gestational weight gain, breastfeeding behavior and daily dietary composition
during postpartum period were the significant factors (P<0.05) which affected the postpartum
weight retention.
Conclusion: Mean weight retention at sixth weeks postpartum in Thai singleton pregnancy with
normal pre-pregnancy BMI was 4.99 ± 4.03 kg. The recommendation for the optimal
gestational weight gain, absolute breastfeeding and the appropriate nutrition after delivery
and the suggestion of weight reduction at postpartum visit are the important issues which the
obstetricians should be concerned.