Association between prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and perinatal outcomes

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to investigate the effects of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and excess gestational weight gain on maternal-fetal outcomes. Materials and methods: Obstetrics records of 537 singleton pregnants delivered at our institution were reviewed. According to BMI, the patients were divided into 3 groups, namely, Group 1: normal (BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2) (n = 394); Group 2: overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) (n = 112); Group 3: Obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) (n = 31). According to gestational weight gain, the subjects divided into 2 categories, namely, Group A: 8-15.9 kg weight gain (n = 326); Group B: >16kg weight gain (n = 211). The groups were compared on maternal data and perinatal outcomes. Results: Based on the BMI, obese pregnants faced the highest risk of preeclampsia (P = 0.005), gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension (P < 0.001), macrosomia (P = 0.041), shoulder dystocia (P = 0.003), and cesarean delivery (P = 0.01). Rates of babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were 13.6%, 6.4%, and 12.9% in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P = 0.041). According to gestational weight gain, macrosomia and birthweight were significantly higher in group B (>16kg weight gain) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Increasing BMI is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and cesarean delivery. High birthweight was affected by high gestational weight gain. Before pregnancy, women with high BMI should be advised to lose weight and not to gain much weight during pregnancy. © TÜBİTAK.