The impacts of gestational weight gain in Aboriginal populations in North America: A scoping review
Abstract
Background: Global gestational weight gain (GWG) is a major global issue, with rates increasing above predicted values (2). Previous research shows that excessive or inadequate weight gain during pregnancy results in adverse maternal and child outcomes (2). To date, a review on GWG in Aboriginal populations has not been conducted. To address the identified void, this scoping review will explore literature on the various outcomes associated with GWG in Aboriginal populations. Additionally, the beliefs and perspectives of Aborgines on GWG will be assessed.
Methods: A scoping review framework was used to conduct database searches March 2015 in Embase, Medline, CINAHL, and Web of Science. The search resulted in 38 articles. Each article was reviewed based on specific inclusion criteria and 12 articles remained.
Conclusions: It is hoped that this review will highlight the severity of Aboriginal GWG based on maternal and child outcomes and suggest a need for intervention. Aboriginal women with inadequate GWG are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, are more likely to have children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effect, have lower proportions of male infants, and have a reduced risk of preeclampsia. Aboriginal women with excessive GWG are at a higher risk of having perineal and vaginal trauma, infant macrosomia, preeclampsia, postpartum weight retention, obese children, and have a higher proportion of male infants.
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