Maternal body mass index and pregnancy outcome

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the maternal body mass index on the pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: Seven hundred eighty four women who had singleton pregnancies during a one year period, were categorized into 5 groups on the basis of their maternal Body Mass Index (BMI). The maternal and the neonatal outcome were noted in all the groups. Results: In the underweight group, the incidences of anaemia and growth retardation were more, while the overweight and the obese women had a higher risk for PIH, gestational diabetes and Large for gestational age (LGA). The groups 4 and 5 had higher incidences of LSCS, wound sepsis and neonatal ICU admissions. There was no significant increase in the perinatal mortality rate. Conclusion: The health of women, throughout their childbearing ages, should be addressed, to improve their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. Also, the high risk groups should be managed at tertiary centers.