Effect of body mass index on maternal and neonatal outcome

Abstract

Effect of maternal first-trimester Body Mass Index on maternal and neonatal outcome. Background: Maternal obesity has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, pre-and post-term delivery, induction of labour, macrosomia, increased rate of caesarean section, and post-partum haemorrhage. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of maternal first-trimester Body Mass Index (BMI) on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: 500 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. In order to explore the relationship between maternal first-trimester Body Mass Index and pregnancy outcome, participants were categorized into four groups based on their Body Mass Index. BMI <18.5-underweight, BMI 18.5-24.9 normal weight, BMI 25-29.9 is overweight, BMI > 30 is obese. 125 participants were taken for each group and followed up till delivery. Results: Women with an above-normal Body Mass Index had a higher incidence of pre-eclampsia, induction of labour, caesarean section, preterm labour, and macrosomia than women with a normal Body Mass Index. There was no significant difference in the incidence of post-term delivery between the control group and other groups. Conclusion: Increased BMI increases the incidence of induction of labour, caesarean section, preterm labour and macrosomia. The BMI of women in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.