Periodontal status of women with excessive gestational weight gain and the association with their newborns’ health

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the association between high gestational weight gain and systemic and periodontal status of women between the 32nd and 36th gestational weeks of pregnancy (T1) and after delivery (T2), and the association of these factors with newborns' health. The sample was divided into excessive gestational weight gain (GE=25) and normal gestational weight gain (GN=25) and was evaluated regarding: (i) socio-economic status; (ii) systemic and periodontal status; and (iii) newborns' health. The results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, the t-test, the Friedman test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Cochran's Q test (P<0.05). Women with GE had lower household income (P=0.010) and higher body mass index (BMI) at both T1 and T2. The prevalence of hypertension at T1 was higher in women with GE, but the condition resolved post-delivery (P=0.001). Worsening in oral hygiene was observed at T2 in both groups (P<0.001). Sixty-eight percent of women with GE and 16% of women with GN had periodontitis at T1, and 52% and 12%, respectively, had periodontitis at T2. In women with GE, the BMI of newborns was higher (P=0.031). Women with high gestational weight gain also showed a high prevalence of hypertension and periodontitis during pregnancy, and persistent periodontitis after delivery. High gestational weight gain was related to high BMI of newborns.