Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Background: The pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) are indicative of maternal and fetal nutrition during pregnancy and contribute to their later health. However, there is a paucity of studies related to this association from developing countries like India.
Objective: To study early pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain in relation to neonatal birth weight.
Methodology: This observational study was conducted on 1031pregnant women, aged 18-35 years, from June 2014-December 2015. Data was collected by a pre-designed questionnaire. Pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG gain at antenatal visits were noted. National health mission (NHM, 2014) guidelines were used to assess weight gain. Neonatal birth weight and gestational age at birth were noted post-delivery. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (Version 3.6.0).
Results: Majority of the women were 21-25 years old (57.81%), nullipara, normal BMI (72.16%) with poor education level (61.69%) and good socio-economic status (31.91%). Neonatal birth weight was within normal range (2.5-2.99 Kg) (41.22%) with maternal GWG within NHM recommendation (71%). A significant association was observed between neonatal birth weight and maternal BMI (P>0.001). A significant difference was observed in weight gain in 1st and 2nd trimester between underweight and normal weight subjects (P <0.05). Distribution of neonatal birth weight born to women with 1-4 Kg weight gain during 1st trimester (P<0.05) and with 3-7 Kg during 2nd and 3rd trimester (P<0.001) was significantly different. A significant positive correlation existed between maternal BMI and neonatal birth weight (P<0.001); total GWG and birth weight of neonates for most demographic characters (P <0.05).
Conclusion: Maternal early pregnancy BMI and GWG are positively associated with neonatal birth weight with GWG causing an increase in birth weight.
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