Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Effectiveness of Nutrition Counseling in Managing Gestational Weight Gain and Infant Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study Publisher



Zare M1 ; Olyaeemanesh A2 ; Torabi P3 ; Dolati S4 ; Fallah H4 ; Zabihi M5 ; Jafari M6 ; Kavoosi E7 ; Baghban F7 ; Shahsavani Z8 ; Maharat M9 ; Esmaillzadeh A1 ; Farshidi H10 ; Tabaeifard R1 Show All Authors
Authors
  1. Zare M1
  2. Olyaeemanesh A2
  3. Torabi P3
  4. Dolati S4
  5. Fallah H4
  6. Zabihi M5
  7. Jafari M6
  8. Kavoosi E7
  9. Baghban F7
  10. Shahsavani Z8
  11. Maharat M9
  12. Esmaillzadeh A1
  13. Farshidi H10
  14. Tabaeifard R1
  15. Azadbakht L1, 11
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 14155/61170, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Health Equity Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Nutrition, Head of Nutrition in Health Reform Program, Clinical Nutrition Group, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Head of community Nutrition unit, Deputy of health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  8. 8. Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
  9. 9. Community Nutrition unit, Deputy of health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  10. 10. Cardiovascular Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
  11. 11. Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: BMC Nutrition Published:2025


Abstract

Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) plays a crucial role in maternal and fetal health outcomes during pregnancy. Excessive weight gain is associated with various complications, emphasizing the importance of effective management strategies. Nutrition counseling has been proposed as a promising intervention to optimize GWG and improve maternal and infant outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition counseling for pregnant women experiencing unfavorable weight gain during pregnancy, who were referred to a registered dietitian at health centers in Iran. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Fars Province, Iran, involving pregnant women with unfavorable weight gain patterns referred to health centers between April 1, 2019, and November 20, 2023. Participants received either nutrition counseling or standard care. Data on maternal weight gain, infant anthropometric measurements, and counseling sessions were collected from the Integrated Health System. Results: Among 565 enrolled pregnant women, 279 received nutrition counseling. Among pregnant women who experienced unfavorable weight gain and received nutritional counseling, 52.3% successfully attained a desirable weight gain. However, there was no significant difference in the hazard ratio of abnormal weight gain during pregnancy between the two groups. Additionally, no significant association were found in infant birth weight, length, or head circumference between the counseling and non-counseling groups. Conclusions: Nutritional counseling improved weight gain trajectories in pregnant women, with more achieving desirable weight gain. However, no significant differences were found in neonatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to refine intervention strategies. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. © The Author(s) 2025.