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Pre-pregnancy obesity, but not gestational weight gain, is a high-risk factor for pre-eclampsia: A retrospective study in Bengbu, China

epidemiology
gynecology-and-obstetrics
womens-health
metabolic-sciences
obesity

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence of obesity among full-term pregnant women and investigate its etiological association with pre-eclampsia through a retrospective study.

Methods: The data of 2,153 singleton full-term pregnant women were categorized into four groups based on their pre-pregnancy body mass index (PBMI): underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese. The incidence rate and relative risk of pre-eclampsia were calculated in each group. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was compared across groups, and women were classified as having no excess or excess GWG according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. The proportion of excess GWG and the associated relative risk were calculated for each group. Incidence rate and relative risk for pre-eclampsia in relation to excess GWG were calculated. Correlations between pre-eclampsia severity and both PBMI and GWG were analyzed.

Results: The analysis revealed differential pre-eclampsia incidence across PBMI classifications: underweight (2.78%), healthy weight (4.66%), overweight (13.97%), and obesity (25.35%). Mean GWG was documented at 15.22 ± 4.767 kg. GWG was significantly higher among underweight and healthy weight subjects than among overweight and obese cohorts (all P < 0.001). The excess GWG exhibited an ascending pattern across BMI categories: underweight (27.31%), healthy weight (41.31%), overweight (63.01%), and obesity (76.06%). Statistical analysis established a significant correlation between pre-eclampsia severity and PBMI (r = 0.197, P < 0.001); no significant association was observed with GWG (r = 0.016, P = 0.445).

Conclusions: Pre-pregnancy obesity, but not GWG, is a high-risk factor for pre-eclampsia. Controlling pre-pregnancy obesity remains a key focus in obstetrics.

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