Obesity and underweight among first trimester pregnant women

Pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 or less than 18.5 kg/m2 have greater risk of maternal and/or fetal mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and underweight among women booking at a Liverpool hospital and to estimate dietetic resources needed. A report was compiled consisting of height, weight, age and parity for 7,981 women booking between July 2004 and June 2005. BMI was calculated and women were categorized: underweight (BMI < 18.5); normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9); overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) and obese (BMI > 30). There was a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, 26.7% and 17.2%respectively and 267 women (3.8%) were underweight. A positive relationship with obesity and both age and parity was observed (p < 0.001). An increase in dietetic provision would help to improve diet and optimize weight gain and may also prevent complications, reducing maternal and infant death risk.