The Effect Of Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Gestational Weight Gain On Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status of women has been considered an important prognostic indicator of pregnancy outcomes. The study aims to show the effect of various pregnancy body mass index categories and corresponding gestational weight gain on pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: 270 women were included in the study. BMI was categorized and weight gain was divided into two groups normal and abnormal based on IOM's recommendation. Chi square and one way ANOVA were used in the univarate analysis of the association between weight gain and corresponding adverse outcome (cesarean, preterm labor, low birth weight). Adjusted odds ratios for adverse outcomes were determined by multiple logistic regression models, while controlling for the following factors: maternal, age, parity, education. Results: For women with pre-pregnancy BMI<19, mean birth weight of newborn was significant low. (P<0.05) The abnormal weight gain during pregnancy wasn't related to an increased risk of preterm labor or cesarean delivery but it was highly associated with LBW. (P<0.05) Conclusion: Efforts should be made to attain appropriate weight gain to reduce the likelihood of low birth weight. Hence, special attention should be paid to women with low pre-pregnancy BMI.