Gestational weight gain and hypertension in pregnancy and associated factors among women attended ANC follow up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2024: a facility-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP) is the hypertensive disorder that represents an increase in blood pressure during pregnancy. Gestational weight gain (GWG) could act as a potentially influencing factor in the development of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDP). Studying the effects of GWG on HDP has special relevance in view of maternal morbidity and mortality risks. Objective: To assess the prevalence of gestational weight gain and hypertension in pregnancy and associated factors among women attending ANC follow up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: The study conducted in Addis Ababa from February to March 2025, was an institution based cross-sectional study in ANC follow-up at governmental health centers. It involved 290 mothers selected through a multistage sampling technique from 5 health centers, yielding a 97.64% response rate. Data collection utilized primary and secondary sources, including patient records, Analytical methods included descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression to examine hypertension in pregnancy. Result: From 290 participants 44 (14.5%) ware developed hypertension. The study revealed that the rate of excessive GWG was 29.3% (n=87), while 18.5% (n=55) were underweight considering their weight gain. This excessive GWG rate is higher than findings from similar studies in Ethiopia, including one in Gondar, which reported over-adequate weight gain at 13.35%.. Multinomial logistic regression suggested inadequate GWG may marginally protect against PIH (AOR 0.239) compared to excessive GWG, with a noted association of younger maternal age (30-39) with lower PIH incidence. Conclusion: The majority of respondents (71.4%) reported inadequate weight gain, 6.2% of the women were diagnosed with PIH. Key factors influencing GWG included spouses' education, maternal pre-pregnancy weight, and gestational age, with excessive GWG associated with higher maternal weight and earlier gestational age. For PIH, maternal age 20-39 was a significant predictor, along with factors like food intake and pre-pregnancy BMI.