The Impact of Gestational Weight Gain on Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Lean Body Mass Index in the First Trimester

Abstract

Optimal weight gain in pregnancy is required to meet the nutritional demand of pregnant female, changes in the physiology during pregnancy and also to meet the additional physiological and nutritional demands of the growing fetus(s). However, pre pregnancy weight gain and BMI is important determinant of maternal and fetal outcome. Institute of Medicine (IOM) has recommended weight gain in kg as per pre pregnancy BMI of the female. 100 females with BMI >18.5 were included in the study and were monitored for weight gain during pregnancy and out of the pregnancy (both maternal and fetal). It was concluded that females with BMI>18.5 and sub optimal weight gain (>12.5 kgs) had significantly lower neonatal birth weight than females with BMI>18.5 and optimal weight gain during pregnancy (12.5 -18kgs).