Abstract

Purpose of Study: Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is increasingly prevalent in the United States. Pregnant women in Tonasket are no exception. According to the Okanogan County Health Department, in 2004, only 43% of pregnant women maintained adequate weight control, a rate 16% less than the state average and the 3rd lowest in the state. The purpose of this project was to raise awareness of the importance of healthy GWG, to provide tools for pregnant women to track their weight gain during pregnancy and to attempt to prevent excessive GWG through healthy diet and exercise. Methods Used: A literature review was conducted to determine the most effective method to deliver information to pregnant women with lasting effects, and the statistics on the increased risks of adverse outcomes that are associated with excessive GWG. A presentation of healthy GWG was presented to pregnant women and their support persons in the childbirth classes. In addition, nurses were trained to deliver GWG information in future classes. An individualized brochure for pregnant women was also created and distributed to pregnant patients in the North Valley Family Medicine (NVFM) and in the childbirth classes at North Valley Hospital (NVH). Summary of Results: Seven people including pregnant patients, their support persons and nurses attended the healthy GWG presentation at NVH childbirth class. Individualized brochures at the 6th grade reading level were developed and were well received by physicians, childbirth education nurses and pregnant women in the NVFM and NVH in Tonasket. The brochure materials were provided to NVFM and NVH childbirth classes, which adopted the brochure as part of their educational materials. Discussion: Because many women are concerned about the health of their babies during pregnancy and are in frequent contact with health care providers, pregnancy is an especially valuable period in which to promote healthy lifestyles. By increasing awareness of healthy weight gain during pregnancy and advocating a healthy diet and staying physically active, this project has additional impacts beyond preventing excessive weight gain in pregnant women. Pregnant women may adopt healthy lifestyles in the long run, educate their families and serve as role models for their children.