Gestational weight growth and the mother’s Body Mass Index (BMI) are two critical variables that majorly impact the development of the foetus and the mother during pregnancy. Concerns regarding the possible effects on maternal and foetal health have been raised by the rising prevalence of maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (Chen et al., 2009). This novel study aims to offer a thorough assessment of the relationship between gestational weight growth and maternal BMI in the first trimester and fetomaternal outcomes, illuminating the intricate interactions between these factors during pregnancy.
A woman’s pregnancy is a fascinating and life-changing experience marked by significant changes in her metabolism, hormones, and physiology (Ahuja et al., 2011). In addition to being essential for maintaining foetal growth, these modifications significantly impact the mother’s health and well-being (Ansarullah et al., 2022). It is critical to comprehend how gestational weight growth and maternal BMI affect these processes (Ansarullah et al., 2022).
The Significance of Maternal BMI
Maternal BMI is an important indicator of a woman’s general health and nutritional state before pregnancy. This frequently used and straightforward measure is computed by taking the square of a woman’s height in metres and dividing the resultant weight in kilograms. Different BMI categories are defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), ranging from underweight (BMI < 18.5) to normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and obesity (BMI ≥ 30) (Nohr et al., 2007). These classifications show various risk profiles linked to outcomes for both mothers and foetuses.
Low maternal BMI, often known as being underweight, is frequently associated with inadequate energy reserves and poor nutritional condition, both of which can have a detrimental effect on the growing foetus. “Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)”, a disease in which babies are born with low birth weight, is more common among underweight mothers, according to research (Cnattingius et al., 2014). The long-term health and well-being of the kid can be greatly impacted by preterm birth and IUGR, which are linked to several health issues (Ehrenberg et al., 2003).
On the other hand, a higher maternal BMI, which is associated with being overweight or obese, is associated with a distinct set of problems. Particularly, obesity is linked to a higher incidence of hypertensive diseases, gestational Diabetes, and the requirement for caesarean births (Rasmussen & Yaktine, 2009). Adverse foetal outcomes, such as macrosomia, a condition in which the baby is delivered with extra weight, can result from gestational Diabetes and increase the risk of birth trauma and long-term metabolic disorders (Nohr et al., 2007). Preeclampsia is one of the hypertensive illnesses that can be life-threatening for both the mother and the foetus during pregnancy. In order to protect the mother’s health, preterm deliveries are frequently necessary (Flenady et al., 2011).
One of the biggest health issues of the current day is obesity, which is becoming more and more common among women of childbearing age worldwide (Getahun et al., 2007). This trend emphasizes how urgent it is to look into the effects of maternal BMI on pregnancy outcomes to improve care for expectant mothers and lessen the burden of pregnancy-related complications resulting from obesity. Furthermore, being overweight or obese as a mother increases the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases her in the postpartum period, as well as long-term weight retention (Heslehurst et al., 2008).