Association between body mass index and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Department of Hematology, College of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Omdurman, Sudan.
Review Article
GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 20(03), 102–108.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscarr.2024.20.3.0340
Publication history:
Received on 01 August 2024; revised on 13 September 2024; accepted on 16 September 2024
Abstract:
The prevalence of elevated body mass index (BMI), including overweight and obesity, has been increasing globally, posing significant challenges to maternal and fetal health. This review examines the association between elevated BMI and adverse pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing maternal, fetal, and long-term complications. Elevated BMI in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, cesarean delivery, and postpartum complications. For the fetus, elevated maternal BMI is linked to an increased risk of macrosomia, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, and stillbirth. Furthermore, these adverse outcomes extend into long-term risks, including a higher likelihood of childhood obesity and metabolic disorders in offspring, as well as persistent obesity and related health issues in mothers. Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these associations include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal dysregulation. Effective management strategies include preconception counselling, nutritional and exercise interventions, and regular monitoring throughout pregnancy to mitigate these risks. This review underscores the importance of addressing elevated BMI in reproductive-aged women as a critical component of prenatal care to improve pregnancy outcomes and long-term health for both mother and child.
Keywords:
Body Mass Index (BMI); Pregnancy Outcomes; Adverse Pregnancy Outcome; Obesity Maternal Health
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0
