Impact of Body Weight on the Outcome of Pregnancy: An Observational Analysis
Authors/Creators
- 1. Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gyanecology, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India
Description
Background and Aim: The effect of maternal underweight on obstetric performance is less clear. While some
researchers have found increased incidences of preterm delivery, low birth weight and increased perinatal loss in
these women, others have reported a protective effect of maternal underweight on certain pregnancy
complications and interventions. By performing this study it would be possible to evaluate the association
between BMI and its adverse effect on pregnancy outcome.
Material and Methods: A total of 500 women with uncomplicated complications were included in the study.
With the help of a predesigned questionnaire, basic information including weight and height was collected in the
first checkup and BMI calculated accordingly. Patients were divided into 4 groups such as Underweight (<18.5
kg/m 2), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9) and Obese (30 and above). Weight gain during each visit
was recorded and development of any antenatal complications throughout pregnancy was noted down.
Information regarding postnatal complications, gestational age at delivery and also birth weight and Apgar score
of the neonate was collected from the case sheets following delivery.
Results: The mean age of the subjects in our study was 26 years. Maximum percentage of LGA babies were
born to obese women compared to women with normal BMI. Likewise maximum percentage of SGA babies
were born to women in the underweight group. There was a significant association between BMI and birth
weight.
Conclusion: In India, previously the problems during pregnancy were more related to low BMI but with
changing lifestyle, obesity is increasing rapidly especially in urban set ups and may become a major health
problem in the future.
Abstract (English)
Background and Aim: The effect of maternal underweight on obstetric performance is less clear. While some
researchers have found increased incidences of preterm delivery, low birth weight and increased perinatal loss in
these women, others have reported a protective effect of maternal underweight on certain pregnancy
complications and interventions. By performing this study it would be possible to evaluate the association
between BMI and its adverse effect on pregnancy outcome.
Material and Methods: A total of 500 women with uncomplicated complications were included in the study.
With the help of a predesigned questionnaire, basic information including weight and height was collected in the
first checkup and BMI calculated accordingly. Patients were divided into 4 groups such as Underweight (<18.5
kg/m 2), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9) and Obese (30 and above). Weight gain during each visit
was recorded and development of any antenatal complications throughout pregnancy was noted down.
Information regarding postnatal complications, gestational age at delivery and also birth weight and Apgar score
of the neonate was collected from the case sheets following delivery.
Results: The mean age of the subjects in our study was 26 years. Maximum percentage of LGA babies were
born to obese women compared to women with normal BMI. Likewise maximum percentage of SGA babies
were born to women in the underweight group. There was a significant association between BMI and birth
weight.
Conclusion: In India, previously the problems during pregnancy were more related to low BMI but with
changing lifestyle, obesity is increasing rapidly especially in urban set ups and may become a major health
problem in the future.
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Additional details
Dates
- Accepted
-
2024-02-21