Prenatal care Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(6):269-275
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004907
To determine the agreement between the information on pregnant cards and on primary care medical records about prenatal assistance in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
A population study of 360 puerperal women living in this city was interviewed at three hospitals where the cards were copied. Prenatal care data were collected by reviewing the medical records at the city health unit. The information was collected, processed, and submitted to Kappa, Adjusted Kappa, and McNemar tests to check agreement and tendency to disagreement between the cards and the medical records.
The levels of agreement within prenatal care were predominantly moderate (Kappa=0.4-0.6). There was a higher tendency to keep records of appointments on the cards (McNemar=22.3; p-value<0.01). Records of supplementation with folic acid and ferrous sulphate were kept more often on the medical records (McNemar=70.8 and 69.8, respectively; p-value<0.01). The tetanus vaccination coverage was about 50%. Clinical and obstetric procedures and laboratory tests were primarily recorded on the card.
The medical records of primary care were underused as a tool for communication among health professionals, highlighting a precarious record keeping. The results suggest that thought be given to guarantee that the minimum procedures established by the Guidelines of Maternal and Infant Health are followed, and also to the importance of clinical record keeping in health services, since there is variation depending on the source of information.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(6):269-275
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004907
To determine the agreement between the information on pregnant cards and on primary care medical records about prenatal assistance in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
A population study of 360 puerperal women living in this city was interviewed at three hospitals where the cards were copied. Prenatal care data were collected by reviewing the medical records at the city health unit. The information was collected, processed, and submitted to Kappa, Adjusted Kappa, and McNemar tests to check agreement and tendency to disagreement between the cards and the medical records.
The levels of agreement within prenatal care were predominantly moderate (Kappa=0.4-0.6). There was a higher tendency to keep records of appointments on the cards (McNemar=22.3; p-value<0.01). Records of supplementation with folic acid and ferrous sulphate were kept more often on the medical records (McNemar=70.8 and 69.8, respectively; p-value<0.01). The tetanus vaccination coverage was about 50%. Clinical and obstetric procedures and laboratory tests were primarily recorded on the card.
The medical records of primary care were underused as a tool for communication among health professionals, highlighting a precarious record keeping. The results suggest that thought be given to guarantee that the minimum procedures established by the Guidelines of Maternal and Infant Health are followed, and also to the importance of clinical record keeping in health services, since there is variation depending on the source of information.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):228-232
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050008
It was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of HIV-infected pregnant women using the HIV/AIDS - Targeted Quality of Life (HAT-QoL) questionnaire.
A descriptive study of 60 pregnant women attended at the Multidisciplinary Nucleus of Infectious Diseases During Pregnancy (NUPAIG) - UNIFESP/EPM and in the referral network of the Municipal Office of São Paulo, conducted from February 2011 to October 2012. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected from 60 HIV-infected pregnant women who answered the HAT-QoL questionnaire, which included 34 questions about quality of life.
The average age was 30 years and the average period of HIV infection was 5.7 years. Only 8.3% of patients had a CD4 cell score of ≤200 cells/mm³ and 45% showed undetectable viral load. The average domain scores ranged from 47.5 to 83.7. The domains with the lowest scores were financial concerns and concerns about secrecy. The domains with the highest scores and lower impact on quality of life were concerns about medication and confidence in the professional.
In this initial study with 60 pregnant women, we concluded that the HAT-QOL can contribute to the assessment of quality of life in the population of HIV-infected pregnant women in Brazil.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):228-232
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050008
It was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of HIV-infected pregnant women using the HIV/AIDS - Targeted Quality of Life (HAT-QoL) questionnaire.
A descriptive study of 60 pregnant women attended at the Multidisciplinary Nucleus of Infectious Diseases During Pregnancy (NUPAIG) - UNIFESP/EPM and in the referral network of the Municipal Office of São Paulo, conducted from February 2011 to October 2012. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected from 60 HIV-infected pregnant women who answered the HAT-QoL questionnaire, which included 34 questions about quality of life.
The average age was 30 years and the average period of HIV infection was 5.7 years. Only 8.3% of patients had a CD4 cell score of ≤200 cells/mm³ and 45% showed undetectable viral load. The average domain scores ranged from 47.5 to 83.7. The domains with the lowest scores were financial concerns and concerns about secrecy. The domains with the highest scores and lower impact on quality of life were concerns about medication and confidence in the professional.
In this initial study with 60 pregnant women, we concluded that the HAT-QOL can contribute to the assessment of quality of life in the population of HIV-infected pregnant women in Brazil.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(2):56-64
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000200003
To evaluate the adequacy of the process of prenatal care according to the
parameters of the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal Care (PHPN) and of the
procedures provided by the Stork Network of Unified Health System (SUS) in the
microregion of Espirito Santo state, Brazil.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012-2013 by interviewing and analyzing
the records of 742 women during the postpartum period and of their newborns in 7
hospitals in the region chosen for the research. The information was collected,
processed and analyzed by the χ2 and Fisher's exact test to determine
the difference in proportion between the criteria adopted by the PHPN and the
Stork Network and the place of residence, family income and type of coverage of
prenatal service. The level of significance was set at 5%.
The parameters showing the lowest adequacy rate were quick tests and repeated
exams, with frequencies around 10 and 30%, respectively, in addition to
educational activities (57.9%) and tetanus immunization (58.7%). In contrast, risk
management (92.6%) and the fasting plasma glucose test (91.3%) showed the best
results. Adequacy was 7.4% for the PHPN, 0.4% for the Stork Network, with respect
to the parameters of normal risk pregnancies, and 0 for high risk pregnancies.
There was a significant difference between puerperae according to housing location
regarding the execution of serology for syphilis (VDRL), anti-HIV and repeated
fasting glucose tests, and monthly income influenced the execution of blood
type/Rh factor tests, VDRL, hematocrit and anti-HIV test.
Prenatal care in the SUS proved to be inadequate regarding the procedures
required by the PHPN and Stork Network in the micro-region of a state in
southeastern Brazil, especially for women of lower income, PACS users and
residents of rural areas.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(2):56-64
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000200003
To evaluate the adequacy of the process of prenatal care according to the
parameters of the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal Care (PHPN) and of the
procedures provided by the Stork Network of Unified Health System (SUS) in the
microregion of Espirito Santo state, Brazil.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012-2013 by interviewing and analyzing
the records of 742 women during the postpartum period and of their newborns in 7
hospitals in the region chosen for the research. The information was collected,
processed and analyzed by the χ2 and Fisher's exact test to determine
the difference in proportion between the criteria adopted by the PHPN and the
Stork Network and the place of residence, family income and type of coverage of
prenatal service. The level of significance was set at 5%.
The parameters showing the lowest adequacy rate were quick tests and repeated
exams, with frequencies around 10 and 30%, respectively, in addition to
educational activities (57.9%) and tetanus immunization (58.7%). In contrast, risk
management (92.6%) and the fasting plasma glucose test (91.3%) showed the best
results. Adequacy was 7.4% for the PHPN, 0.4% for the Stork Network, with respect
to the parameters of normal risk pregnancies, and 0 for high risk pregnancies.
There was a significant difference between puerperae according to housing location
regarding the execution of serology for syphilis (VDRL), anti-HIV and repeated
fasting glucose tests, and monthly income influenced the execution of blood
type/Rh factor tests, VDRL, hematocrit and anti-HIV test.
Prenatal care in the SUS proved to be inadequate regarding the procedures
required by the PHPN and Stork Network in the micro-region of a state in
southeastern Brazil, especially for women of lower income, PACS users and
residents of rural areas.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(10):447-452
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001000004
PURPOSE: To analyze prenatal care in public and private services. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective and analytic study was conducted based on the audit of files of pregnant women who had given birth at a reference hospital for low risk cases in the area of Campos Gerais - Paraná State, in the first semester of 2011. The Yates chi-squared test or exact Fisher test were used to determine the association between the lack of registration files for pregnant women regarding prenatal assistance in the public and private services, with the level of significance set at p≤0.05. The quality of prenatal care was determined based on the percentile of non-registrations. RESULTS: A total of 500 prenatal files were analyzed. There was a significant attendance of six or more prenatal visits, with a larger proportion in the private service (91.9%). The laboratory and obstetric exams most frequently not registered in the public and in the private services were, respectively: hepatitis B (79.3 and 48.4%), hemoglobin and hematocrit values (35.6 and 21.8%), anti-HIV serology (29.3 and 12.9%), fetal movement (84.3 and 58.9%) and length (60.4 and 88.7%), edema verification (60.9 and 54.8%), and fetal presentation (52.4 and 61.3%). The audit of the files of pregnant women allowed to determine the quality of the prenatal care provided and confirmed differences in assistance according to the place, showing excellent and good quality of private care, and regular public care for ultrasonography and blood type/Rh factor; regular quality of private care and poor quality of public care for urine tests and weight. For the other types of laboratory and obstetric exams and vaccines, the quality was poor or very poor in both types of services. CONCLUSION: The differences between the services showed that there is a need for actions aiming at the improvement of the prenatal care provided by public services.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(10):447-452
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001000004
PURPOSE: To analyze prenatal care in public and private services. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective and analytic study was conducted based on the audit of files of pregnant women who had given birth at a reference hospital for low risk cases in the area of Campos Gerais - Paraná State, in the first semester of 2011. The Yates chi-squared test or exact Fisher test were used to determine the association between the lack of registration files for pregnant women regarding prenatal assistance in the public and private services, with the level of significance set at p≤0.05. The quality of prenatal care was determined based on the percentile of non-registrations. RESULTS: A total of 500 prenatal files were analyzed. There was a significant attendance of six or more prenatal visits, with a larger proportion in the private service (91.9%). The laboratory and obstetric exams most frequently not registered in the public and in the private services were, respectively: hepatitis B (79.3 and 48.4%), hemoglobin and hematocrit values (35.6 and 21.8%), anti-HIV serology (29.3 and 12.9%), fetal movement (84.3 and 58.9%) and length (60.4 and 88.7%), edema verification (60.9 and 54.8%), and fetal presentation (52.4 and 61.3%). The audit of the files of pregnant women allowed to determine the quality of the prenatal care provided and confirmed differences in assistance according to the place, showing excellent and good quality of private care, and regular public care for ultrasonography and blood type/Rh factor; regular quality of private care and poor quality of public care for urine tests and weight. For the other types of laboratory and obstetric exams and vaccines, the quality was poor or very poor in both types of services. CONCLUSION: The differences between the services showed that there is a need for actions aiming at the improvement of the prenatal care provided by public services.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(8):349-356
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000800003
PURPOSE: To characterize prenatal care and to evaluate the association of its adequacy with maternal, socioeconomic and environmental sanitation characteristics, as well as the influence of these factors on the birth weight of the children. METHODS: The eligible population for the study consisted of all women who had children during 2009 and lived in the city of Queimadas at the time of data collection. Information was collected with a questionnaire applied to the mothers in Family Health Basic Units or in their residence. The prenatal care adequacy index (outcome variable) was defined as adequate when the mother attended six or more prenatal visits and began monitoring during the first trimester of pregnancy (<20 weeks). Hierarchical logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios for inadequate prenatal care and a multiple linear regression model was used to estimate the effect of adequacy of prenatal care and maternal, socioeconomic and environmental sanitation variables on birth weight. The statistical program used was Rv2.10.0, with the level of significance set at p <5%. RESULTS: Of a total of 199 women studied, 78.4% were classified as having received adequate prenatal care. After adjustment for other predictors, maternal age of 19 years or less remained as an explanatory variable of inadequate prenatal care (OR 4.27, 95%CI 1.10 - 15.89). Even after controlling for variables, child's birth weight was negatively associated with water supply from a well/spring and burnt/buried garbage, accounting for weight reductions of the order of 563.8, 262.0 and 951.9 g, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adequate prenatal care can alleviate the influence of socioeconomic disparities related to health care. Even in this situation, teenage mothers are more likely to receive inadequate prenatal care and low birth weight is favored by improper sanitation conditions (such as water supply and garbage disposal).
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(8):349-356
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000800003
PURPOSE: To characterize prenatal care and to evaluate the association of its adequacy with maternal, socioeconomic and environmental sanitation characteristics, as well as the influence of these factors on the birth weight of the children. METHODS: The eligible population for the study consisted of all women who had children during 2009 and lived in the city of Queimadas at the time of data collection. Information was collected with a questionnaire applied to the mothers in Family Health Basic Units or in their residence. The prenatal care adequacy index (outcome variable) was defined as adequate when the mother attended six or more prenatal visits and began monitoring during the first trimester of pregnancy (<20 weeks). Hierarchical logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios for inadequate prenatal care and a multiple linear regression model was used to estimate the effect of adequacy of prenatal care and maternal, socioeconomic and environmental sanitation variables on birth weight. The statistical program used was Rv2.10.0, with the level of significance set at p <5%. RESULTS: Of a total of 199 women studied, 78.4% were classified as having received adequate prenatal care. After adjustment for other predictors, maternal age of 19 years or less remained as an explanatory variable of inadequate prenatal care (OR 4.27, 95%CI 1.10 - 15.89). Even after controlling for variables, child's birth weight was negatively associated with water supply from a well/spring and burnt/buried garbage, accounting for weight reductions of the order of 563.8, 262.0 and 951.9 g, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adequate prenatal care can alleviate the influence of socioeconomic disparities related to health care. Even in this situation, teenage mothers are more likely to receive inadequate prenatal care and low birth weight is favored by improper sanitation conditions (such as water supply and garbage disposal).
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(5):199-204
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000500002
PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of the hospitalization of pregnant women for treatment of urinary tract infection and the repercussions on the health of the newborn, and the absence of a urine exam during the prenatal period. METHODS: A cross-sectional design, where were eligible all mothers of newborns with births occurring between January 1st and December 31, 2010 in Rio Grande (RS). Mothers were interviewed in the two maternity hospitals in the city. Information was collected regarding hospitalization for urinary tract infection, the prenatal assistance and sociodemographic conditions. Statistical analyses were performed by levels and controlled for confounding using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Of the 2,288 women eligible for the study, 2.9% were hospitalized for treatment of urinary tract infection and was higher, after adjustment, in woman with lowest economic status (3.1% the lowest and 2.1% the highest), younger (4.0% in adolescents and 1.8% in those over 30 years), had less education (3.1% had seven years or less of studying and 1.2% had 12 years or more) and did not live with a partner (4.3% living without partner and 2.6% living with partner). Pathologies of the newborn associated with hospitalization, were preterm birth (4.1% in pre-term and 2.7% in those at term) and low birth weight (6.4% in low and 2.6% in those in normal). Of the women who underwent prenatal care, 23.6% had not done the urine test as recommended and, after adjustment, and the risk for not done the test was higher among those with lower socioeconomic status (34.4% in lower and 14.4% in the highest level), less educated (32.3% with seven years or less of studying and 11.0% with 12 years or more) and not living with a partner (32.7% living without partner and 22.0% living with partner). CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of hospitalization reflects the lack of effectiveness of screening for urinary tract infection during pregnancy. The socioeconomic profile of women who required hospitalization and who did not undergo adequate screening of urinary tract infection in prenatal care, demonstrate the need of more careful attention to pregnant women with the features found.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(5):199-204
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000500002
PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of the hospitalization of pregnant women for treatment of urinary tract infection and the repercussions on the health of the newborn, and the absence of a urine exam during the prenatal period. METHODS: A cross-sectional design, where were eligible all mothers of newborns with births occurring between January 1st and December 31, 2010 in Rio Grande (RS). Mothers were interviewed in the two maternity hospitals in the city. Information was collected regarding hospitalization for urinary tract infection, the prenatal assistance and sociodemographic conditions. Statistical analyses were performed by levels and controlled for confounding using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Of the 2,288 women eligible for the study, 2.9% were hospitalized for treatment of urinary tract infection and was higher, after adjustment, in woman with lowest economic status (3.1% the lowest and 2.1% the highest), younger (4.0% in adolescents and 1.8% in those over 30 years), had less education (3.1% had seven years or less of studying and 1.2% had 12 years or more) and did not live with a partner (4.3% living without partner and 2.6% living with partner). Pathologies of the newborn associated with hospitalization, were preterm birth (4.1% in pre-term and 2.7% in those at term) and low birth weight (6.4% in low and 2.6% in those in normal). Of the women who underwent prenatal care, 23.6% had not done the urine test as recommended and, after adjustment, and the risk for not done the test was higher among those with lower socioeconomic status (34.4% in lower and 14.4% in the highest level), less educated (32.3% with seven years or less of studying and 11.0% with 12 years or more) and not living with a partner (32.7% living without partner and 22.0% living with partner). CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of hospitalization reflects the lack of effectiveness of screening for urinary tract infection during pregnancy. The socioeconomic profile of women who required hospitalization and who did not undergo adequate screening of urinary tract infection in prenatal care, demonstrate the need of more careful attention to pregnant women with the features found.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):296-303
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700002
PURPOSE: To determine the pattern of alcohol use before and during pregnancy and associated risk factors in puerperal women hospitalized in a public university hospital in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: Between June and September 2009, 493 puerperae were consecutively evaluated. Those with cognitive impairment were excluded from the study. The AUDIT and CAGE questionnaires were used to diagnose alcohol use/abuse before pregnancy, in addition to the T-ACE during pregnancy. Another questionnaire was applied to collect sociodemographic data, such as age, educational level, marital status, and household income. The χ² test was used in the statistical analysis and the Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: Before pregnancy, the CAGE was positive in 50/405 (12.3%) women and the AUDIT identified alcohol use in 331 (67.1%), which was of low risk in 233 (47.3%), risky in 73 (14.8%), and harmful or indicating possible alcohol dependence in 25 (5%). During pregnancy, the CAGE was positive in 53/405 (13.1%) women and the T-ACE in 84 (17%); the AUDIT identified alcohol use in 114 women, which was of low risk in 73 (14.8%), risky in 27 (5.5%), and harmful or indicating possible alcohol dependence in 14 (2.8%). During pregnancy, alcohol use was more frequent (OR=2.8; 95%CI 1.2 - 6.2) among women with a lower educational level (8.8 versus 3.3%) and more frequent (OR=3.8; 95%CI 1.3 - 11.1) among those who did not cohabit with a partner (6 versus 1.7%). Among pregnant women who drank alcohol, 49/114 (43%) were advised to stop drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Alarming alcohol use was observed during pregnancy, especially among pregnant women with a lower educational level and those who did not cohabit with a partner. There was a low frequency of counseling aimed at abstinence and the AUDIT was the instrument that most frequently diagnosed alcohol consumption.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):296-303
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700002
PURPOSE: To determine the pattern of alcohol use before and during pregnancy and associated risk factors in puerperal women hospitalized in a public university hospital in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: Between June and September 2009, 493 puerperae were consecutively evaluated. Those with cognitive impairment were excluded from the study. The AUDIT and CAGE questionnaires were used to diagnose alcohol use/abuse before pregnancy, in addition to the T-ACE during pregnancy. Another questionnaire was applied to collect sociodemographic data, such as age, educational level, marital status, and household income. The χ² test was used in the statistical analysis and the Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: Before pregnancy, the CAGE was positive in 50/405 (12.3%) women and the AUDIT identified alcohol use in 331 (67.1%), which was of low risk in 233 (47.3%), risky in 73 (14.8%), and harmful or indicating possible alcohol dependence in 25 (5%). During pregnancy, the CAGE was positive in 53/405 (13.1%) women and the T-ACE in 84 (17%); the AUDIT identified alcohol use in 114 women, which was of low risk in 73 (14.8%), risky in 27 (5.5%), and harmful or indicating possible alcohol dependence in 14 (2.8%). During pregnancy, alcohol use was more frequent (OR=2.8; 95%CI 1.2 - 6.2) among women with a lower educational level (8.8 versus 3.3%) and more frequent (OR=3.8; 95%CI 1.3 - 11.1) among those who did not cohabit with a partner (6 versus 1.7%). Among pregnant women who drank alcohol, 49/114 (43%) were advised to stop drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Alarming alcohol use was observed during pregnancy, especially among pregnant women with a lower educational level and those who did not cohabit with a partner. There was a low frequency of counseling aimed at abstinence and the AUDIT was the instrument that most frequently diagnosed alcohol consumption.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):304-309
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700003
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) at the beginning of pregnancy and weight gain on pregnancy outcome so that this measure can be implemented and valued by prenatal care health services. METHOD: Cross-sectional population-based study of all births in the only two hospitals in Rio Grande city (Brazil), in 2007. Among the 2,557 mothers interviewed, it was possible to calculate BMI in only 1,117. The Stata 11 software was used for data analysis. Logist regression was applied to the outomes involving diabetes mellitus, premature labor and cesarean section. Regarding birth weight, data were adjusted by multinomial logistic regression using as base category the group of 2,500 to 4,000 g. The level of significance was set at p-value <0.05 in a two-tailed test. RESULTS: There was no increased risk of hypertension or diabetes in patients in the different groups of BMI and weight gain. The risk of preterm delivery was evident in the group with a weight gain ≤8 kg (p<0.05). Regarding the route of delivery, it was observed that the higher the BMI in early pregnancy (p=0.001) and the greater the weight gain during pregnancy (p=0.004), the greater the risk of surgical delivery, which reached 11% in the group of obese mothers (p=0.004) and 12% in the group with a weight gain ≥17 kg (p=0.001). The weight of the newborns was influenced by BMI and weight gain, and the higher the BMI in early pregnancy and the gestational weight gain, the greater the risk of macrosomia. CONCLUSION: The monitoring of BMI and weight gain during pregnancy is a low cost and useful procedure for the establishment of nutritional interventions aimed at reducing maternal and fetal risks.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(7):304-309
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000700003
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) at the beginning of pregnancy and weight gain on pregnancy outcome so that this measure can be implemented and valued by prenatal care health services. METHOD: Cross-sectional population-based study of all births in the only two hospitals in Rio Grande city (Brazil), in 2007. Among the 2,557 mothers interviewed, it was possible to calculate BMI in only 1,117. The Stata 11 software was used for data analysis. Logist regression was applied to the outomes involving diabetes mellitus, premature labor and cesarean section. Regarding birth weight, data were adjusted by multinomial logistic regression using as base category the group of 2,500 to 4,000 g. The level of significance was set at p-value <0.05 in a two-tailed test. RESULTS: There was no increased risk of hypertension or diabetes in patients in the different groups of BMI and weight gain. The risk of preterm delivery was evident in the group with a weight gain ≤8 kg (p<0.05). Regarding the route of delivery, it was observed that the higher the BMI in early pregnancy (p=0.001) and the greater the weight gain during pregnancy (p=0.004), the greater the risk of surgical delivery, which reached 11% in the group of obese mothers (p=0.004) and 12% in the group with a weight gain ≥17 kg (p=0.001). The weight of the newborns was influenced by BMI and weight gain, and the higher the BMI in early pregnancy and the gestational weight gain, the greater the risk of macrosomia. CONCLUSION: The monitoring of BMI and weight gain during pregnancy is a low cost and useful procedure for the establishment of nutritional interventions aimed at reducing maternal and fetal risks.