Objective: To evaluate gestational weight gain (according to the Institute of Medicine recommendation) and pregnancy outcomes by comparing the Western and Asia-Pacific Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index. Design: A retrospective study. Setting: Maternal and Child Health Clinics in Brunei. Population or Sample: Health medical records of mothers. Methods: Demographic factors, pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index, gestational weight gain, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were retrieved. Univariate analyses were applied. Main outcome measures: Maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: 170 records were extracted. Adverse neonatal outcomes (p=0.036) were detected when gestational weight gain was evaluated using the Asia-Pacific pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index as compared to that of the Western (p=0.440). The prevalence of obese women was significantly higher (95%CI: 36.0, 51.3) compared to (95%CI: 11.4, 23.1)(p<0.001). The gestational weight gain above the recommended guideline was also significantly higher (95%CI: 71.1, 84.0) compared to (95%CI: 60.6, 75.0) (p<0.001). Conclusions: Evaluating gestational weight gain using the Asia-Pacific pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and the Institute of Medicine guidelines was significant in detecting adverse neonatal outcomes and prevalence of obesity in the Asian pregnant women population in Brunei. This retrospective study served as a platform for more rigorous study on larger population.

Objective: Many women desire optimal pain management during labour and delivery. However, evidence on labour pain management in developing countries, is scarce. This study explores knowledge and perspectives of postnatal mothers and healthcare providers on pain management during labour and delivery. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Maternal and Child clinics. Population or sample: Mothers and healthcare professionals. Main outcome measures: Labour Pain Survey. Results: Over 50% mothers reported severe to excruciatingly unbearable labour pain during recent labour. Age and education level were important predictors on pain relief information and preferences. Health professionals preferred third trimester to hold first discussion regarding preferences of labour pain relief, however not much support was received. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for health professionals in clinics and hospitals to equally provide informed choices on methods of labour pain relief and consider social media as a platform to educate expectant mothers regarding labour pain and its management.