A new study led by the University of Bristol highlights the importance of supporting women of childbearing age to maintain a healthy weight in order to reduce the risk of various pregnancy complications. Published in BMC Medicine, this international collaborative study addresses previous confounding issues and identifies clearer causal links between increased maternal weight and pregnancy complications.
The research focused on the correlation between a mother’s weight and pregnancy complications. While previous studies have identified this correlation, it was unclear whether the weight itself was causing the complications or if other factors related to lifestyle and education were at play. The study aimed to overcome these confounding factors and establish a direct causal relationship between increased maternal weight and pregnancy complications.
Dr. Carolina Borges, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Bristol and one of the study’s corresponding authors, states, “Understanding the impact of a mother’s pre-pregnancy weight on pregnancy and perinatal health is key to advising future policies and ensuring women of childbearing age live healthy lives.”
The study included data from more than 400,000 mothers from 14 different studies in Europe and North America. To improve the current evidence, researchers used three different methodologies, including analyses similar to previous studies, comparison of results with the correlation of the father’s BMI, and genetic analyses called Mendelian randomization.
The findings of the study revealed that higher maternal BMI had an impact on 14 out of 20 pregnancy complications studied. These complications included high blood pressure in pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy diabetes, complications during delivery (such as needing a cesarean section or induction of labor), having heavier babies, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. For instance, with every one kg/m2 increase in maternal BMI, there was a 10% increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
Dr. Janine Felix, Associate Professor and Epidemiologist in the Department of Paediatrics at Erasmus MC, emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between maternal weight and pregnancy complications, as being overweight is common among women of childbearing age. She highlights that maintaining a healthy weight can improve the health outcomes of both mothers and children.
This research provides valuable insights into the implications of maternal weight on pregnancy complications and reinforces the need for policies that promote and support healthy living for women during their childbearing years. By addressing the issue of weight and providing appropriate support, healthcare professionals can help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and ensure optimal maternal and neonatal health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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