Mean differences in maternal body mass index and recurrent pregnancy loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

To investigate the association of maternal body mass index (BMI) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Systematic review and meta-analysis. Not applicable. A total of 3,833 women with RPL and 4,083 women as controls. Studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane. The primary outcome of interest was RPL using the mean differences in maternal BMI as the predictor variable. The results of the meta-analysis were reported as the mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. In total, 892 studies were reviewed. Pooled data from 25 studies suggested that the maternal BMI of women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss was significantly higher than the BMI of controls, mean difference 0.7 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval 0.2-1.3]. These findings supported an association between maternal BMI and RPL. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the influence of maternal BMI on pregnancy outcomes in women with RPL.