The Impact of Gestational Weight Gain on Preeclampsia during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To determine the impact of weight gain in pregnant women on the incidence of preeclampsia during the COVID-19 pandemic at the West Lombok District Health Center Methods: This research is an analytical observational study using a case control study. The design began by identifying patients with impacts (preeclampsia and/or eclampsia) and groups without impacts (not experiencing preeclampsia and/ or eclampsia), then exploring risk factors in 3 Community Health Centers located in West Lombok Regency, NTB Province, Indonesia, especially Narmada Health Center, Kediri and Gunung Sari. Analysis was carried out using the SPSS application. Results: A total of 120 samples were collected, comprising 60 case samples and 60 control samples. During the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with weight gain that did not meet the recommended guidelines exhibited a higher incidence of preeclampsia, with 56 individuals (93.3%) affected, compared to 32 individuals (53.3%) in the control group without preeclampsia. The calculated odds ratio (OR) was 12.25, with a 95% confidence interval of 3.941 to 38.078. Conclusion: There is an increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is associated with gestational weight gain. Early screening for preeclampsia is essential if future pandemic outbreaks alter daily human activity patterns.