Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy outcomes among women in southern Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted by an online survey from May to November 2024. The current study included 498 postpartum women from southern Saudi Arabia. Data were collected on sociodemo graphic characteristics, pregnancy history, BMI status, and pregnancy outcomes.
Results: The present study found statistically significant associations between BMI and pregnancy outcomes. Overweight and obese women had higher median pregnancies in comparison with normal-weight women (p < 0.001). Pregnancy complications were recorded more in overweight (39.5%) and obese women (37.5%) compared to their nor mal-weight counterparts (18.3%) (p-value = 0.015). Weight-related health problems were higher among obese (43.8%) and overweight women (36.8%) than women of normal weight (15.1%) (p-value = 0.002). The difference in number of living children was also statistically significant (p < 0.001), as were abortion rates (p-value = 0.003). Gestational diabetes increased significantly with BMI level, although this was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.104). Vaginal bleeding complications varied significantly with BMI category (p-value = 0.005). A majority (55.6%) did not know their pre-preg nancy BMI, while only 34.1% received nutrition counselling. Postpartum mental health conditions were reported more in overweight (36.8%) and obese (34.4%) women than those with normal weight (19.4%) (p-value = 0.065), while life style and nutrition counselling differed significantly between BMI categories (p-value = 0.005).
Conclusion: Preconception BMI is significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes for Saudi women in southern regions, with graver risks noted among those whose pre-pregnancy BMI fell into the overweight and obese categories.

Key words: Body mass index, pregnancy outcomes, Saudi Arabia, maternal health, obesity