Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) and dietary intake are important predictors of pregnancy outcomes. Inadequate or excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications and long-term risk of chronic health problems for both mother and baby. Historically, inadequate GWG represented a great health concern, but now, with the rise of overweight and obesity rates in Canada and worldwide, the proportion of women entering pregnancy with a higher Body Mass Index has significantly increased, which has translated into an increased risk for excessive GWG (approximately 56% in Alberta). The same shift from inadequate to excessive GWG has been observed among low-income women who have been found to be at a greater risk for excessive GWG, and parity-associated obesity. This project aims to promote maternal health through supporting attainment of appropriate body weight and optimal dietary intake, during pregnancy and postpartum, among low-income women who access Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), partially funded by the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program in Alberta. The research will use a knowledge translation framework to: 1) describe the web of factors that influence low-income women's body weights and diets during pregnancy and postpartum, 2) examine needs, gaps and opportunities within services currently delivered through CBOs during these vital life cycles, and 3) translate findings into practice by developing and implementing selected strategies that promote appropriate body weight and optimal dietary intake to pregnant and postpartum, low-income women in the context of CBOs. This project has the potential to improve maternal health by elucidating the complex web of factors that affect gestational and postpartum body weights, dietary intake and overall health. Given the importance of pregnancy for both women's and infants' health, this is a unique opportunity to positively impact the health of future generations.