Relationship between Maternal Body Mass Index During Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcomes: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Aims: To determine the relationship between pregnant women body mass index (BMI) and obstetrics outcomes, as well as the relationship between body mass index and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women.

Study design: Longitudinal study

Place and duration: Prenatal OPD between at Sindh Government Hospital Korangi Karachi, Pakistan from August 2020 to August 2021.

Methodology: A total of 100 women who visited the prenatal OPD for an antenatal checkup were included after providing written informed permission. The aforementioned individuals were assigned to conventional BMI categories, and their obstetric and perinatal outcomes were assessed.

Results: LSCS was related with a higher rate of 41.67 percent (n=20) in the high BMI group, compared to 16.67 percent (n=6) in the normal group, p=0.013. Hypothyroidism was related with a higher incidence of 12.5 percent (n=6) in the high BMI group, compared to 2.77 percent (n=1) in the normal group, p=0.109. GDM was related with a higher incidence of 20.83 percent (n=10) in the high BMI group, compared to 8.34 percent (n=3) in the normal group, p=0.058. GHTN was related with a higher incidence of 20.83 percent (n=10) in the high BMI group, compared to 8.34 percent (n=3) in the normal group, p=0.058. When compared to the typical 8.34 percent (n=3), the underweight group had a 37.5 percent (n=6) higher risk of NICU admission (p=0.000214). Anemia was related with an increased rate of 56.25 percent (n=10) in the underweight group, compared to 27.77 percent (n=10) in the normal group, p=0.04.

Conclusion: The BMI has a substantial effect in the risk of an unfavorable pregnancy outcome.  A high body mass index is concerned to hypothyroidism, gestational hypertension and diabetes mellitus, assisted birth and caesarean delivery. There is a link between underweight BMI and anemia and low birth weight.