The Effect of Gravidity on Anthropometric Indices of Pregnant Women in Enugu, South East, Nigeria

Anthropometry in pregnancy is a comparative measure of size, proportion and composition of the body in relation to pregnancy. Anthropometric indices are useful in the assessment of nutritional status of pregnant women and predicting pregnancy outcome. To determine the effect of gravidity on anthropometric indices of pregnant women in Enugu, South East Nigeria. This was a prospective cross sectional survey of 578 pregnant women drawn from the general population of Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. These women were randomly selected from antenatal care attendees from four peripheral hospitals in Enugu. A self-administered structured pretested questionnaire was designed. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 12, and P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean values of the weight, body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm. Circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), waist circumference and hip circumference of pregnant women in Enugu increased significantly from primigravida to those in their forth pregnancy (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the age and gravidity of the women in these groups (P>0.05). Multigravid women have higher anthropometric indices in Enugu, Nigeria. There is need for education/enlightenment about reduction in weight gain during pregnancy after delivery.