Association of maternal body mass index with maternal comorbidities and perinatal outcomes: a prospective observational study

Anshu Ghosh; Riya Ahirwar; Deepika Jain

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20264181

Authors

Anshu Ghosh Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Surasa, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
Riya Ahirwar Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Surasa, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
Deepika Jain Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Surasa, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20264181

Keywords:

Body mass index, Pregnancy, Gestational diabetes mellitus, Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, Caesarean section, Perinatal outcomes

Abstract

Background: Evidence across the maternal body mass index (BMI) spectrum is limited in Central India. We assessed associations between third-trimester maternal BMI and maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 369 women in the third trimester at a tertiary centre in Ujjain and followed them through delivery. Enrolment BMI was classified as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese using prespecified categories. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared using chi-square or exact tests.

Results: Among 369 women, 13.3% were underweight, 48.2% had normal BMI, 25.7% were overweight, and 12.7% were obese. Gestational diabetes mellitus increased from 0.0% in underweight and normal groups to 22.1% in overweight and 51.1% in obese women (p<0.001); hypertensive disorders reached 34.0% in obese women (p=0.003). Moderate and severe anaemia were most frequent in underweight women (40.8% and 10.2%; p<0.001). Caesarean delivery increased from 18.4% in underweight to 68.1% in obese women (p<0.001). Low birth weight occurred in 34.7% of neonates born to underweight women; Apgar score <8 and neonatal intensive care admission were most frequent in obese women (17.0% each; p=0.001).

Conclusions: Third-trimester BMI was associated with distinct maternal and perinatal outcome patterns. Higher BMI groups had greater metabolic, hypertensive, operative, and postpartum morbidity, whereas underweight women had more anaemia and low-birth-weight neonates. Antenatal nutritional assessment may help guide targeted maternal and neonatal surveillance.

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