Jeni Matthews1, Jennifer Huberty2, Jenn Leiferman3, Matthew Buman4. 1. Arizona State University, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, 500 N 3rd St., Mail Code 9020, Phoenix, AZ, USA. Electronic address: Jeni.Matthews@asu.edu. 2. Arizona State University, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, 500 N 3rd St., Mail Code 9020, Phoenix, AZ, USA. Electronic address: Jennifer.Huberty@asu.edu. 3. University of Colorado Denver, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, 13001 E. 17th Place, Mail Stop B119, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Electronic address: Jenn.Leiferman@ucdenver.edu. 4. Arizona State University, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, 500 N 3rd St., Mail Code 9020, Phoenix, AZ, USA. Electronic address: mbuman@asu.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify the psychosocial factors (i.e., stress, anxiety, depression, social support) that are associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the relationship of mindfulness with GWG during each trimester of pregnancy. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, an online survey that assessed physical and mental health and wellness practices was administered to pregnant women. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant women ≥8 weeks gestation, ≥18 years old, and could read and write in English. MEASUREMENT AND FINDINGS: Women who responded to the survey (N=1,073) were on average 28.7±4.6 years old. Findings from a regression analysis suggest that increased levels of depression may be predictive of increased GWG in the second trimester and decreased levels of mindfulness may be predictive of increased GWG in the first trimester. Anxiety, stress, and overall social support were not associated with GWG in any trimester. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based strategies (e.g., yoga) may have the potential to manage both depression and excessive GWG and may beneficial for and preferred by pregnant women. More research is warranted to determine clear relationships between psychosocial health, mindfulness, and GWG. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health care providers are encouraged to screen for depression in early pregnancy (i.e., first or second trimester) and provide resources to manage symptoms of depression and GWG to promote optimal birth outcomes. Health care providers may want to counsel patients on how to manage depression and/or GWG by suggesting mindfulness-based approaches.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the psychosocial factors (i.e., stress, anxiety, depression, social support) that are associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the relationship of mindfulness with GWG during each trimester of pregnancy. DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, an online survey that assessed physical and mental health and wellness practices was administered to pregnant women. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant women ≥8 weeks gestation, ≥18 years old, and could read and write in English. MEASUREMENT AND FINDINGS:Women who responded to the survey (N=1,073) were on average 28.7±4.6 years old. Findings from a regression analysis suggest that increased levels of depression may be predictive of increased GWG in the second trimester and decreased levels of mindfulness may be predictive of increased GWG in the first trimester. Anxiety, stress, and overall social support were not associated with GWG in any trimester. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based strategies (e.g., yoga) may have the potential to manage both depression and excessive GWG and may beneficial for and preferred by pregnant women. More research is warranted to determine clear relationships between psychosocial health, mindfulness, and GWG. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health care providers are encouraged to screen for depression in early pregnancy (i.e., first or second trimester) and provide resources to manage symptoms of depression and GWG to promote optimal birth outcomes. Health care providers may want to counsel patients on how to manage depression and/or GWG by suggesting mindfulness-based approaches.
Authors: Megan W Harvey; Barry Braun; Karen A Ertel; Penelope S Pekow; Glenn Markenson; Lisa Chasan-Taber Journal: Womens Health Issues Date: 2020-09-28