ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL BODY MASS INDEX WITH PREGNANCY OUTCOMES IN ANTENATAL MOTHERS: A PROSPECTIVE LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal body mass index (BMI) is an important indicator of nutritional status and can significantly influence the course and outcome of pregnancy. Both low and high maternal BMI are associated with increased risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objectives: To assess the effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy outcomes and to determine the association between booking BMI and maternal and neonatal outcomes among antenatal mothers. Method: A prospective longitudinal research was performed including 263 antenatal mothers with a singleton pregnancy at a tertiary care facility in Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Participants were classified according to their booking BMI (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) utilizing Asian-Indian standards. Data were gathered from the initial trimester to 48 hours post-delivery. The statistical analysis encompassed both descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically the chi-square test. Maternal outcomes encompassed hypertensive diseases (preeclampsia, gestational hypertension), anemia, premature labor, and intrapartum problems (induction, cesarean section). Neonatal outcomes encompassed low birth weight (LBW), an Apgar score of less than 7, hospitalization to the NICU, and perinatal mortality. Results: The majority of subjects had a normal BMI (71.4%), with subsequent classifications of underweight (19.7%), overweight (7.6%), and obese (1.14%). Negative results were more common at BMI extremes. Mothers who were overweight or obese were more likely to have preeclampsia (33.3%), gestational hypertension (33.3%), and caesarean delivery (up to 100%). Mothers who were underweight were more likely to have anaemia, oligohydramnios, fetal discomfort, and low birth weight. There were significant links between booking BMI and important outcomes such preeclampsia, prenatal hypertension, anaemia, premature labor, oligohydramnios, caesarean section, LBW, Apgar score <7, and NICU hospitalization (p≤0.05). Conclusions: Maternal BMI at reserving is a major predictor of negative maternal and neonatal outcomes. Both not getting sufficient nourishment and getting too much nourishment raise the risk of high blood pressure and bad outcomes for babies. Early detection and modification of body mass index (BMI) may enhance pregnancy outcomes.