To Study Association between upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Body Mass Index in First Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aims To study the association between upper gastrointestinal symptoms and body mass index (BMI) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Objectives To determine common upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms among women during their first trimester and to determine any association with the maternal BMI for their occurrence. Materials and methods Three hundred and forty-eight pregnant females during their first trimester who visited the outpatient department or causality were evaluated for their upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Their weight, height, and obstetric history were noted. Patients were evaluated for the presence of epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, acid regurgitation, heart burn, early satiety, and loss of appetite after conception. Patients were grouped into three categories: Group A, with low BMI (< 20 kg/m2); group B, with average BMI (20—22.9 kg/m2); and group C, with high BMI (> 22.9 kg/m2). Symptoms were correlated with BMI. Results Patient were divided as follows: 26.6% (n = 92) were in group A, 53.6% (n = 185) were in group B, and 20.5% (n = 71) were in group C. In group A, 56 (60.8%) out of 92 developed new gastrointestinal symptoms and 51 out of 56 developed vomiting. In group B, 77 (41.6%) out of 185 developed new gastrointestinal symptoms and 40 out of 77 developed vomiting. In group C, 45 (63.3%) out of 71 developed new gastrointestinal symptoms and 29 out of 45 developed vomiting. Group A women are more prone to developing upper gastrointestinal symptoms than group B women, p-value being 0.003245 (< 0.05). Group C patients were more prone to developing upper gastrointestinal symptoms than group B patients. There is no statistical difference between groups A and C, p-value being 0.870 (> 0.05). Statistical analysis used Chi-square test. Conclusion Both high and low BMI are associated with more risk of development of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Key message: Weight management prior to conception can reduce upper gastrointestinal symptoms during the first trimester. Key message Weight management prior to conception can reduce upper gastrointestinal symptoms during the first trimester. How to cite this article Gautam A, Nigam A, Agrawal P, Rani R. To Study Association between upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Body Mass Index in First Trimester of Pregnancy. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(2):127-129.