Maternal BMI and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A cross-sectional observational analytical study in a tertiary care centre.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/46e3fb72Keywords:
Maternal body mass index, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, obesity, pregnancy outcomesAbstract
Background:
Maternal body mass index is a practical antenatal marker that reflects nutritional and metabolic status. Excess BMI is linked with endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Objectives:
To assess the distribution of maternal BMI and determine its association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among pregnant women attending a tertiary care centre.
Methods:
This observational analytical study was conducted at RP Hospital, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India, from September 2025 to February 2026. A total of 100 pregnant women were included. Maternal BMI was categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Hypertensive disorders were classified as gestational hypertension, mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Associations were analysed using appropriate statistical tests and logistic regression.
Results:
The mean maternal age was 26.8 ± 4.5 years, and the mean BMI was 25.4 ± 4.2 kg/m². Overall, 8.0% were underweight, 40.0% had normal BMI, 34.0% were overweight, and 18.0% were obese. Hypertensive disorders were present in 29.0% of participants. Their prevalence increased from 15.0% in normal BMI women to 35.3% in overweight women and 55.6% in obese women. Obesity showed a significant adjusted association with hypertensive disorders. Preterm delivery and low birth weight were also more frequent among affected women.
Conclusion:
Increasing maternal BMI was significantly associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and selected adverse perinatal outcomes.
Recommendations:
Early BMI assessment, weight counselling, blood pressure surveillance, and risk-based antenatal follow-up should be integrated into routine obstetric care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ashwini Ganeshrao Gaikwad, Jagruti Ratnakar Keskar, Deepak Ashok Kubde (Author)
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