Pregnancy with Low Bmi: Effects of Low Bmi During Pregnancy in Terms of Preterm Delivery and Low Birth Weight Fetus

Maternal nutritional status is important for health and quality of life in women and their growing fetus. A strong relationship between maternal weight and birth weight is present. A low body mass index is one of the strongest predators of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although pregnancy body mass index has a genetic as well as nutritional component, a low pregnancy body mass index is considered a marker for minimal tissue nutrient reserves. Underweight women were found to have greater incidence of preterm delivery and low birth weight babies. Preterm infants experience neurological,cardiac,respiratory and other problems whereas low birth weight increases infant morbidity and mortality. This book provides insight into these issues. Medical students as well as pregnant women can seek guidance.