Abstract: Objective: To explore the internal association among gestational weight management behaviors and their influencing factors, and to provide evidence for interventions targeting weight management during pregnancy. Methods: A total of 578 pregnant women attending an obstetric outpatient clinic in a tertiary grade A hospital in Wuhan from March to June 2025 were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires including the demographic information form, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Weight Management Behavior Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of gestational weight management behaviors, and network models were constructed, including network relationship analysis of gestational weight management behaviors and mixed network analysis of behaviors and influencing factors. Results: The mean weight management behavior score was 55.75±13.47, indicating a moderate level. Network analysis of gestational weight management behaviors showed that persistent exercise was the core node, while making exercise plans and checking implementation status as well as dietary control were bridge nodes. Mixed network analysis demonstrated that higher educational level was directly and positively associated with measuring and recording body weight once a week, reducing the intake of fried/high-fat foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, and not storing high-calorie or favorite foods at home. Non-employment status was directly and negatively associated with continuing to work and doing light household chores as usual during pregnancy. Depressive symptoms were directly and negatively associated with reducing the intake of fried/high-fat foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, whereas higher social support was directly and positively associated with continuing to exercise even without access to a gym or exercise equipment. Conclusion: Based on the analysis, a structured pattern of associations exists among gestational weight management behaviors and the related factors. Active persistence in exercise, making exercise plans and checking implementation status, and dietary control may serve as potential targets for interventions on gestational weight management.

Key words: weight management; behavior; pregnancy; influencing factor; network analysis