In a nutshell
This study investigated the connections between maternal weight and pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization (IVF; the egg is fertilized by sperm in a dish, and is then implanted into the uterus). The study found that being underweight had a limited impact on pregnancy and live-birth rates, but was associated with increased risk during pregnancy and childbirth. Obesity was an increased risk for all pregnancy outcomes.
Some background
Obesity is known to be a major risk factor negative outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth, but there is less information on the impact of being underweight, especially during assisted reproduction methods such as IVF. The effect of maternal underweight on fertility and pregnancy outcomes is unclear.
Methods & findings
The study examined the records of 494,097 IVF cycles. 2.8% of these women were underweight. There were 180,855 pregnancies.
Compared with normal weight women, underweight women had a 3% reduced chance of pregnancy and a 5% decreased chance of live birth. Obese women also had a reduced chance of pregnancy (6%) and live birth (13%). Obesity was also associated with a higher risk of miscarriage (23%). Both underweight and obesity were associated with increased risk of low-birth weight (39% in underweight women and 26% in obese women). Underweight and obesity were also associated with increased risk of preterm (early) delivery (underweight: 12% and obese: 42%).
The bottom line
The study concluded that among women undergoing IVF, maternal weight prior to pregnancy affected both pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.
The fine print
The study was based on cycles and was lacking in some patient medical information.
Published By :
Fertility and Sterility
Date :
Sep 22, 2016
