[Pregnancy underweight - an overlooked risk factor].
Sarah Marie Bjørnholt1, Lea Ankerstjerne, Elisabeth Thal Rønneberg
1lauenborg@dadlnet.dk.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 1, 2019
Summary
Pre-pregnancy underweight (BMI ≤ 18.5 kg/m2) affects 4.2% of pregnancies, increasing risks for adverse outcomes. Early identification of underlying conditions and nutritional support are crucial for better maternal and infant health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Underweight, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≤ 18.5 kg/m2, affects 4.2% of pregnancies in Denmark.
- Pre-pregnancy underweight is frequently associated with psychiatric disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, and restrictive dietary practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence of underweight in pregnancy.
- To identify associated risks and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To recommend management strategies for underweight pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies of pre-pregnancy underweight and pregnancy outcomes.
- Analysis of associations between underweight, maternal conditions, and infant health.
- Synthesis of current recommendations for managing underweight pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Underweight pregnancies are linked to increased risks of antepartum haemorrhage, preterm birth, and small for gestational age infants.
- Impaired ability to breastfeed is also a noted adverse outcome.
- Underlying medical or psychiatric conditions are often observed in women with pre-pregnancy underweight.
Conclusions:
- Identification of underlying medical or psychiatric disorders is recommended for pregnant individuals who are underweight.
- Ensuring sufficient gestational weight gain is a key management strategy.
- Appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation should be considered to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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