The Effect of Race/Ethnicity on Gestational Weight Gain

Minority women are gaining more weight than recommended during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the risk of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in Hispanic and Black women compared to non-Hispanic women in Colorado. A retrospective cohort study of all birth records from 2007 to 2010 in Colorado was conducted. The primary outcome was GWG, and the exposure was race/ethnicity. Covariates were marital status, education, intensity of prenatal care, age, parity, tobacco use, alcohol use and years in the US. Chi square and multiple logistic regression was performed. 230,698 records were analyzed. Half of the Hispanic and Black women began their pregnancy overweight or obese. Hispanic women had a 0.84 (95 % CI 0.8–0.9) and Black women had a 0.95 (95 % CI 0.9–1.0) risk of excessive GWG than NHW women. Pre-pregnancy weight is an independent risk for adverse outcomes. The study findings provide healthcare providers focal points in preconception health care and programming.