THE IMPACT OF BODY MASS INDEX IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEIR OBSTETRIC OUTCOMES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF SOUTH INDIA FROM AUGUST 2013-2015
Dr. Roya Rozati, Dr. Akhila Reddy*, Dr. Surayya Tahseen, Dr. Nazima Allaudin, Dr. FatimaTahniyath, Dr. Fatima Hafeez and Ayyapathi Mehdi Gautam
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and the impact of body mass index (BMI) on
maternal and neonatal outcomes, in a UK obstetric population. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was
conducted and data was collected from births between August 2013 to August 2015 within a tertiary referral unit,
with over 3600 births per year. STUDY PERIOD: August 2013 – August 2015 STUDY SITE: This study was
carried out in OWAISI HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE as a clinical audit and therefore did not require
approval from a Research Ethics Committee. Women were categorised according to World Health Organization
classification: underweight (BMI < 18.50 kg/m2); normal weight (BMI 18.50–24.99 kg/m2; reference group);
Over weight (BMI 25.00–29.99 kg/m2); obese class I (BMI 30.00– 34.99 kg/m2); obese class II (BMI 35–39.99
kg/m2); and obese class III (BMI _ 40 kg/m2). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were examined using logistic
regression, adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS : The study highlights a relationship between increasing
BMI (from overweight to obese class III) and increasing risk of adverse outcomes, including gestational diabetes
mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, caesarean section, macrosomia, and neonatal unit
admission, with women in the highest obesity group at risk of additional adverse out-comes, including stillbirth, a
longer postnatal stay, and wound problems following caesarean section.By categorising women into overweight
and obesity sub classifications (classes I –III), this study clearly demonstrates an increasing risk of adverse
outcomes across BMI categories, with women who are overweight also at significant risk both in terms of
maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Keywords: Body mass index, maternal and neonatal outcomes, obesity, pregnancy.
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