Effects of Increase in Body Mass Index Category during Pregnancy on Pregnancy Outcome

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Abstract

  Introduction : Weight gain during pregnancy may lead to increase in BMI category, and this may be associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications. The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of increase in body mass index (BMI) category during pregnancy on obstetric outcomes.   Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from 1384 to 1385. Women with singleton pregnancies were placed in standard BMI categories. Increase in BMI was calculated as difference between initial BMI and delivery BMI. ANOVA was used to compare continuous variables, and chi-square test for categorical variables.   Results: This study included 1805 women: 9.4% increased by 1 BMI category, 42% by 2 category and 46.5% by 2 categories. Increase in BMI category was associated with higher rates of gestational diabetes (p < 0.0001), preclampsia (p < 0.0001), gestational hypertension (p < 0.05) and macrosomia (p < 0.012)   Conclusion : Increase in BMI category is associated with increased risk of complications.

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