Patterns and predictors of gestational weight gain in Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

Plain language summary Pregnant women are expected to gain weight due to various biological changes. Gaining inadequate or excessive weight during pregnancy poses a health risk to the mother and baby. Inadequate weight gain is a public health concern in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. This study assessed patterns and predictors of weight gain during pregnancy in Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia. The study was conducted from January to September 2019. Women attending public health facilities were followed from before or at 16 weeks of gestation until 36 weeks of pregnancy. A total of 395 pregnant women enrolled in the study. Weight gain was assessed for 369 (93%) women. More than two-third of the participants (67.2%) gained inadequate weight during pregnancy. Three quarters (75%) of underweight women gained inadequate weight, whereas 43% of overweight or obese women gained inadequate weight during pregnancy. Promoting adequate weight gain during pregnancy for underweight and normal weight women in Addis Ababa is an important public health initiative