Study highlights importance of maintaining weight before and during pregnancy

A recent study has observed that obesity in the early months of pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of abortion. Researchers have, therefore, observed that appropriate weight before and during pregnancy is a must to avoid the risk of neonatal deaths and other complications in trimesters. In a prospective study of 18,481 primigravidas, obesity in early pregnancy was linked to higher risks of spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and large birth weight in newborns.

On the other hand, being underweight during pregnancy was linked to a higher risk of early neonatal deaths as well as low birth weight. "Women who plan pregnancies and their prenatal care providers may wish to weigh these findings to decrease the related risks," wrote senior author, Dr. Jianmeng Liu, in the study published in the Journal of Obesity. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining weight before and during pregnancy.

(With inputs from agencies.)