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Maternal weight change from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum—the influence of behavioral factors
Author(s) -
Kirkegaard Helene,
Stovring Henrik,
Rasmussen Kathleen M.,
Abrams Barbara,
Sørensen Thorkild I.A.,
Nohr Ellen A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.21022
Subject(s) - medicine , obstetrics , pregnancy , postpartum period , biology , genetics
Objective We studied the influence of maternal behavior on weight change from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum. Methods We used linear regression to study the independent and combined associations between self‐reported behavior in pregnancy (dietary intake, leisure‐time exercise, sedentary activity, smoking) and postpartum (breastfeeding duration and smoking) on weights at 6 months, 18 months, and 7 years postpartum. Results Women's average 7‐year weight gain was 2.07 kg, with 23% gaining >5 kg. Multivariable analyses suggested that women with healthier dietary intake, more leisure‐time exercise, less sedentary behavior, and longer duration of breastfeeding on average gained 1.66 kg [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40; 1.91] with a significantly reduced odds [OR 0.56 (95% CI: 0.49; 0.64)] of gaining >5 kg from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum compared to women with none or one of these behaviors [mean gain 3.03 kg (95% CI: 2.68; 3.39)]. Women who ceased smoking had higher long‐term weight gain than nonsmokers, but not smokers. Conclusions Adherence to healthy behaviors during pregnancy lowered long‐term weight gain considerably by lowering postpartum weight retention and subsequent weight gain. Public health efforts to help mothers achieve healthy behaviors might prevent childbearing‐related weight gain.