Could physical discomforts be related to weight gain and parity in last trimester pregnant women

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To identify and check the incidence of physical discomfort in third trimester pregnant women and relate it to parity, weight gain and regular practice of physical activities. METHODS: Data were collected by means of interviews made up of identification, socioeconomic data and lifestyle. In addition to pain intensity by means of the 10-cm visual analog scale, we have also calculated weight gain estimates for pregnant women as from body mass index considering the pre-gestational period. Physical discomforts were listed and answered "yes" or "no" with regard to their presence. Statistical analysis was carried out by simple frequency, percentages, Shapiro-Wilk, Chi-square and Student t tests. Statistical program was Stata 9.2 and significance level was 5%. RESULTS: Participated in the study 64 low risk pregnant women under pre-natal follow up. Most frequent symptom was fatigue, reported by 79.6%, followed by low back pain by 68.7%, uterine contraction pain and heartburn, each one reported by 60.9% of respondents, insomnia 53.1%, cramps 50%, nausea 29.6%, pain on ribs and vomiting, each with 21.8%, sciatic pain 20.3%, cervical and abdominal pain 18.7% each, chest pain 17.1%, nightmare and itching, each with 1.6% and brachial plexus pain by 3.1%. There has been no relationship with parity and weight gain. CONCLUSION: Discomforts reported had no relationship with parity, weight gain and regular practice of physical activities.