Recurrent preeclampsia: the effect of weight change between pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate whether the risk of recurrent preeclampsia is affected by interpregnancy change in body mass index (BMI).


METHODS
We conducted a population-based cohort study using Missouri maternally linked birth certificates for 17,773 women whose first pregnancies were complicated by preeclampsia. The women were placed into three groups: those who decreased their BMIs, those who maintained their BMIs, and those who increased their BMIs between their first two pregnancies. The primary outcome was recurrent preeclampsia in the second pregnancy. Adjusted risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression analysis.


RESULTS
The overall rate of recurrent preeclampsia in women who decreased their BMIs between pregnancies was 12.8% (risk ratio 0.70, confidence interval 0.60-0.81) compared with 14.8% if BMI was maintained and 18.5% in those who increased their BMIs (risk ratio 1.29, confidence interval 1.20-1.38). Within the normal weight, overweight, and obese weight categories, women who decreased BMI between pregnancies were less likely to experience recurrent preeclampsia. Women in all weight categories who increased their BMIs between pregnancies were more likely to experience recurrent preeclampsia.


CONCLUSIONS
Interpregnancy weight reduction decreases the risk of recurrent preeclampsia and should be encouraged in women who experience preeclampsia.


METHODS
II.
Mostello
Dorothea
D
From the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, and School of Public Health, Department of Community Health, St. Louis, Missouri.
Jen Chang
Jen
J
Allen
Judy
J
Luehr
Laura
L
Shyken
Jaye
J
Leet
Terry
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult