High BMI in Early Pregnancy Causally Tied to Adverse Outcomes
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2024 -- There is a causal relationship between maternal pre-/early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and 14 of 20 adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in BMC Medicine.
Maria Carolina Borges, Ph.D., from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, and colleagues explored the relation between maternal pre-/early-pregnancy BMI and 20 pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. The analysis included data from more than 400,000 women.
The researchers found that multivariable regression, Mendelian randomization, and paternal negative control analyses all supported associations of higher maternal BMI with lower odds of maternal anemia, delivering a small-for-gestational-age baby, and initiating breastfeeding. All three methods demonstrated higher odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, prelabor membrane rupture, induction of labor, caesarean section, large-for-gestational-age baby, high birthweight, low Apgar score at one minute, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. In a multivariable regression, higher maternal BMI was associated with a higher risk for gestational hypertension (odds ratio, 1.67), with similar results seen for Mendelian randomization (odds ratio, 1.59).
"Preconception interventions to support women maintaining a healthy BMI may reduce the burden of obstetric and neonatal complications," the authors write.
One author disclosed ties to the medical technology industry.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
![](/img/logo/vendor/healthday-logo.png)
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted February 2024
Read this next
Mean Cost of Bringing New Drug to U.S. Market Is $879.3 Million
TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 -- The mean cost of developing a new drug for the U.S. market is estimated to be $879.3 million when both drug development failure and capital costs are...
Patient–Primary Care Provider Language Concordance Tied to Better Outcomes
TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 -- Patient-family physician language concordance is associated with a lower risk for adverse outcomes, according to a study published online June 3...
Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam Improves Detection of Cognitive Issues in Primary Care
TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 -- A self-administered gerocognitive examination (SAGE) is easily incorporated into primary care provider (PCP) visits, and its use significantly increases...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.