Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Community Medicine

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy affects the health and well being of both mothers and their children. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Its objective is to assess the effect of the dietary counseling on preventing excessive weight gain during pregnancy. A sample of 160 of primigravida in the first trimester aged from 20-30 years attending ANC clinic in the Center for Social and Preventive Medicine (CSPM), Pediatric hospital, Cairo University was taken. Baseline assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices toward healthy nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy was done for both the intervention group and the control group. Food frequency questionnaire was used. Anthropometric measurements and clinical examination were reported. Dietary counseling sessions were performed for the intervention group only. At the last ANC visit, evaluation of the nutritional Knowledge, attitude and practice was done for both groups. Weight gain monitoring ,clinical examination, assessment of maternal and fetal outcomes were done. Results showed that there was significant improvement in the nutritional Knowledge, attitude and practice among the intervention group compared to the control group .Also there was significant difference in frequent consumption of food groups among the intervention group compared to the control group. Percentage of women who gain weight within recommendation was three times more among the intervention group than control group. Percentage of anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, C/S labor, macrosomia and preterm babies were higher among the control group compared to the intervention group. Conclusion: Dietary counseling during pregnancy has effect on improvement of nutritional knowledge, attitude and practices and prevention of excessive weight gain during pregnancy

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