Recurrent Miscarriages In Patients With High Body Mass Index

Nasreen Fatima, Jatika Kumari

Abstract

Objective

To assess the frequency of recurrent miscarriages in patients with raised body mass index (BMI).

Study design

Cross sectional study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) Karachi, from August 2021 to February 2022.

Methods

Women with two or more miscarriages with BMI >25kg/m2 were enrolled by non-probability consecutive sampling method. The weight and height were measured with a standard method in kilogram and centimeters respectively. BMI was then calculated with the metric system, using the formula; weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. BMI was reported as kg/m2. Data were collected on a predesigned form and entered into SPSS 20. Data stratification were done and Chi square test was applied post-stratification. A p <0.05 was taken as significant.

Results

A total of 137 women were enrolled. The age of the patients was between 25 years - 45 years. The mean age of the patients was 31.14±6.49 years. The mean BMI was 29.41±2.56 kg/m2. Forty-nine (35.8%) were mothers of less than three children. Sixty-five (47.4%) were working women. Seven (5.1%) women were not formally educated. Out of the total, 23 (16.8%) women with increased BMI had recurrent miscarriages. There were 46 (33.6%) patients from 25 years - 35 years of age group. Seventy-two (52.6%) women were in multipara group and 65 (47.4%) in primipara group. Twelve (52.2%) patients who had recurrent miscarriages were in the age group of 25 years - 35 years and 11 (47.8%) were from 37 years - 45 years age group. This was found significant (p=0.03).

Conclusion

Increased frequency of recurrent pregnancy loss was observed in women with high BMI. This was an adverse pregnancy outcome that can be addressed with counseling and optimization of weight by diet coupled with exercises.

Key words

Obesity, Recurrent pregnancy loss, BMI, Pregnancy, Miscarriages.