Is Body Weight a Telltale of Preeclampsia?
ABSTRACT Introduction Increased body weight is a major epidemic for a developed country, and is also expanding to developing countries. It is measured as the body mass index (BMI). Control of body weight gain, where weight gain in adequate proportion is indicated, is a major challenge before, during, and after pregnancy. Aim To find out whether the increased value of BMI as measured at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation can be used to predict the development of preeclampsia. Objective To study the role of increased value of BMI in development of preeclampsia in normal pregnancies. Materials and methods A case—control retrospective study was conducted on pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of Bokaro General Hospital, Jharkhand, India. About 220 pregnant women, who attended the antenatal clinic, in 20 to 24 weeks of gestation, were included after proper written consent for study. Results About 220 patients were included in our study, who attended the antenatal clinic between 20th and 24th weeks of pregnancy. In our study, the maximum proportion of participants’ BMI ranges between 22 to 24 and 24 to 26 kg/m2. In our study, we found with increase of BMI value, the percentage of preeclampsia development increases. Conclusion In view of our results, counseling about body weight and its management should be known to the women before, during, and after pregnancy. How to cite this article Kumari N, Dash K, Singh R. Is Body Weight a Telltale of Preeclampsia? J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(2):179-181.