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Association of high pre-pregnancy body mass index with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes
Qudsia Qazi1, Nazia Liaqat2, Fauzia Afridi3
1Dr. Qudsia Qazi, FCPS. Associate Professor, Department of Gynae, Medical Teaching Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Insights
High pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) is linked to increased risks for mothers and newborns, including postpartum hemorrhage and macrosomia. Maintaining a healthy BMI before conception is crucial for better pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Public Health & Epidemiology
Background:
- Obesity is a global epidemic impacting maternal and fetal health.
- Elevated pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Limited regional data exists on the impact of high pre-pregnancy BMI in this specific area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between high pre-pregnancy BMI and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
- To identify specific risks linked to elevated BMI before conception.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 390 pregnant patients was conducted.
- Participants were categorized into two groups based on pre-pregnancy BMI (<25 and ≥25).
- Data was collected from the third trimester through delivery and discharge.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was found between raised pre-pregnancy BMI and increased maternal risks, including postpartum hemorrhage and genital tract trauma.
- Neonatal risks significantly linked to high pre-pregnancy BMI included macrosomia and low one-minute APGAR scores.
- No significant difference in delivery modes (vaginal vs. cesarean) was observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Maternal pre-conception Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher is associated with poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes.
- Managing pre-pregnancy BMI is essential for mitigating risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
Background & Objectives:
Obesity is an epidemic of the 21st century with its rates doubling in both developed and developing countries. It raises concerns for both maternal and fetal well-being and needs altered care throughout pregnancy and in postnatal period. Raised BMI prior to conception is associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. Limited data is available about its association with adverse maternofetal outcome in this region of the world. Our objective was to find out association of high pre-pregnancy BMI with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Methods:
This cohort study of 390 patients was conducted in Gynae department of Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Study duration was from June 2021 to March 2022. Patients enrolled in third trimester of gestation (≥ 37 weeks) were divided into two groups based on BMI i.e., Group-A with BMI <25 and Group-B with BMI ≥ 25. Both groups were followed until their delivery and discharge.
Results:
The mean age of 390 women was 28.2 ± 4.8 years. There was statistically significant association between raised pre pregnancy BMI and maternal risks like postpartum hemorrhage (p-0.0001), genital tract (p-0.0002) and perineal trauma (p-0.04). Neonatal risks significantly associated with high pre-pregnancy BMI were macrosomia (p-0.0001), and one minute APGAR score of < 8/10(p- 0.01). Both groups had no statistically significant difference for different modes of delivery i.e normal vaginal/ instrumental delivery and cesarean section (P-value 0.9).
Conclusion:
Maternal pre-conception BMI of ≥ 25 leads to poor maternal and perinatal outcomes.
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