Publication:

To study the effect of maternal basal metabolic index on the pregnancy and perinatal outcome

Background Obesity and underweight is a leading, preventable cause of mortality worldwide and it is one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. In developing countries like India, the obesity and underweight are very important risk factors for maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of maternal BMI on the pregnancy outcome and perinatal outcome.

Methods our study included 504 antenatal cases attending OPD in Sultania Zanana hospital, Bhopal, India in their first trimester in their first visit, from the period of July2014 to June 2015. BMI of the cases calculated and categorized the women in five groups as per WHO and National Institute of Health guidelines1-2 and they were followed up in their subsequent visits in relation to any pregnancy complication and perinatal outcome.

Results It was observed that majority of women 402 (79.7 %) were between the age group of 20-25 years. Mean Age - 23.33 yrs. maximum number of women i.e. 242 (48 %) were in Normal weight group with BMI between 18.5- 24.9. Obesity is associated with increased incidence of pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, induced delivery, Instrument/assisted deliveries, caesarean delivery, ICU admissions complicating maternal outcome and LGA, NICU admissions and perinatal mortality complicating perinatal outcome; while underweight women appear to have Anemia, IUGR, post-partum infections and SGA babies.

Conclusions From this tudy, we concluded that the health of women throughout their child bearing years should be addressed, to improve the pregnancy and the perinatal outcomes. Therefore, education programs, health services and nutrition consultation are recommended for women in reproductive age.