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iBackground:/i Women invariably gain weight during pregnancy due to fat deposition, fluid retention, and the weight attributed to the growth of the fetus, uterus, and breasts. Gestational weight gain can influence pregnancy outcomes as well as the long-term health of both the mother and child. It is reported that nearly 50 percent of mothers worldwide experience excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Suboptimal weight gain during pregnancy is also a recognized risk factor for adverse delivery outcomes. iObjective:/i To assess the magnitude of excess maternal gestational weight gain and the associated factors influencing pregnancy complications among pregnant women at St. Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. iMethods and Materials:/i An institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional quantitative approach was used to conduct the study. Data were collected using both primary and secondary sources. Well-organized interviewer-administered questionnaires and a checklist were utilized. The sample size was determined using a single population formula Considering the proportion to be 50% to get the maximum possible sample size. A total of 422 mothers participated in the study, and a systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study population. Data were collected, summarized, tabulated, and analyzed using the Statistical Package Epi-Info version 7 and SPSS version 26 software. Frequencies, proportions, and dispersions were estimated to describe the variables. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the association between explanatory variables and gestational weight gain. iResults:/i A total of 422 pregnant mothers participated in the study, resulting in a 100% response rate. The majority, 201 (47.6%), were in the age group of 20 to 25 years, and 179 (42.4%) had delivered two children. Additionally, 112 (26.5%) ate more than four times per day, and 303 (71.8%) consumed carbohydrates daily. Of the participants, 375 (88.9%) gained adequate weight, 35 (8.3%) gained excessive weight, and 12 (2.8%) gained inadequate weight during their current pregnancy. Being employed and consuming fruits and vegetables were associated with a lower likelihood of excessive gestational weight gain, while high carbohydrate consumption was linked to a higher risk of excessive weight gain. iConclusion and Recommendation: /iA significant proportion of women (35%) gained excessive weight. Unemployment and daily carbohydrate and fruits consumption were significantly associated with excessive weight gain. Women of childbearing age should be informed about the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables and reducing carbohydrate intake during pregnancy to prevent excessive weight gain.
Megbar Alemu (Thu,) studied this question.