Obesity or Underweight-What is Worse in Pregnancy?

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare underweight and obese women and their weight gain during pregnancy on fetomaternal outcome.

METHOD: This is a prospective, non-interventional, observational study on 1000 women (BMI between 20 and 30 were excluded). Women attending ANC OPD with singleton pregnancy at or before 16 weeks were included and BMI calculated in early pregnancy. Their weight gain during pregnancy was noted. Any complications in the mother or perinate were noted.

RESULTS: Incidence of obesity in our institute was 17 % and that of underweight was 18 %. Pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertensions, gestational DM, antepartum hemorrhage, all were more common among obese women, while anemia was more common in the underweight. Post-dated pregnancy, induction of labor, cesarean delivery, and postpartum complications were more common in obese women. Fetal complications were also higher in obese patients.

CONCLUSION: Lower as well as higher prepregnancy BMI is an independent risk factor that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in both the mother and the fetus.