Abstract
Background: Low pre-pregnancy BMI is considered a marker for minimal nutrient reserves, fetal growth restriction and adverse pregnancy outcome. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of pre pregnancy BMI on fetal growth parameters. Methods: A hospital based, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at Kasturba Hospital, Sewagram, a rural institute in central India. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated and correlated with new born birth weight, birth length, chest circumference, head circumference, arm circumference and ponderal index. Results: Among 500 pregnant women of first trimester, the maternal mean Pre-pregnancy weight, height and Prepregnancy BMI were 47 ± 5.77 kg, 154.43 ± 5.39 cm and 19.78 ± 2.56 kg/m2 respectively. The mean Pre-pregnancy BMI in the LBW group was 19.25 ± 1.68 kg as compared to 19.98 ± 2.60kg in normal birth weight group with a statistically significant difference (z=3.75, P=0.001, z =25.15, P=0.000). Positive correlation was found between pre pregnancy maternal weight, and BMI with neonatal weight, neonatal length, chest circumference, head circumference and arm circumference. The association was negative with neonatal ponderal index. Mean neonatal length, ponderal index, chest circumference, head circumference a mid-arm circumference were statistically significantly associated with pre-pregnancy BMI. (F=3.797 P=0.010; F=10.623 P=0.0001; F=18.924 P=0.001; F=3.948 P=0.0001; F=3.478, P=0.016 respectively).
Highlights
The most suitable objective anthropometric indicator of nutritional status of the adult is Body mass Index (BMI)
Positive correlation was found between pre pregnancy maternal weight, and body mass index (BMI) with neonatal weight, neonatal length, chest circumference, head circumference and arm circumference
Pre-pregnancy BMI is reportedly associated with pregnancy outcomes as an independent factor [4, 5] Low pre-pregnancy BMI is considered a marker for minimal nutrient reserves, fetal growth restriction and adverse pregnancy outcome [6]
Summary
Maternal pre-pregnancy weight were recorded during her first antenatal visit in first trimester in kilograms on single, digital weighing machine. The woman was allowed to stand barefoot and motionless on the scale and weight was recorded to the nearest 100 gm. 250 gm was subtracted from the weight measured in first trimester to obtain the recording of pre pregnancy weight (PPW). Height in meters was recorded with the individual standing on plain ground against a straight wall. The level was marked with pencil and distance from ground was measured by nonstretchable tape with nearest 0.1 cm. Body mass index was calculated by the equation: Weight in kg/ height in meters squared. The naked baby was placed on an electronic weighing machine and birth weight was measured to the nearest 10 gram. A two-level P value
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