Correlation of BMI to Pregnancy Outcomes in Thai Women Delivered in Rajavithi Hospital
Kasem Saereeporncharenkul MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To establish the correlation between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy outcomes in Thai
women. Cultural modernization has changed lifestyle of Thai population including eating habits, leading to higher incidence
of overweight in pregnant woman. This study aims to analyze the relationship between BMI of Thai women before pregnant
and pregnancy outcomes.
Material and Method: The study population included 3,715 deliveries in Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between
January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. The number of individuals in each adverse outcomes was compared with those in
each BMI group. Odds ratios were calculated using normal BMI as reference.
Results : The overweight and obese BMIs resulted in significant risk of cesarean section, pre-eclampsia and diabetes mellitus
with [OR (95% CI)] 1.37 (1.13-1.68), 2.3 (1.4-3.7), 4.02 (2.66-6.08) for overweight and 2.11 (1.53-2.90), 5.7 (3.3-9.8), 6.02
(3.52-10.32) for obesity, respectively. The underweight BMI resulted in significant risk of preterm, very preterm, low
birthweight (LBW) infant with [OR (95% CI)] 1.79 (1.48-2.16), 1.69 (1.15-2.47), 1.61 (1.27-2.03). Only obesity attributed to
significant risk of macrosomia with [OR (95% CI)] 5.36 (2.73-10.52). Both overweight and obesity led to significant risk of
postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage with [OR (95% CI)] 1.71 (1.21-2.44), 2.13 (1.08-4.22). No
correlation was found between pre-pregnancy to stillbirth and congenital anomaly.
Conclusion : Overweight and obesity could increase risk in cesarean section, pre-eclampsia, DM, PPH and severe PPH, but
were protective factors of LBW. Only obesity played high risk of macrosomia. Underweight was a protective factor for
cesarean section, pre-eclampsia, DM and PPH, but could cause risk in preterm, very preterm and LBW.
Keywords : Pre-pregnancy BMI, Pregnancy outcomes, Pre-eclampsia, Diabetes mellitus, Rajavithi Hospital, Thai woman
