title: Correlation between Body Mass Index and Central Adiposity with Pregnancy Complications in Pregnant Women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of obesity is increasing throughout the world.Obesity assessed by body mass index (BMI) has shown to be associated with gestational complications while the relationship using waist circumference (WC) is not clear yet. The present study was aimed to determine the relationship between WC and adverse pregnancy complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective cohort study, 1140 nulliparous pregnant women at 1st trimester of pregnancy referred to health care centers in Tabriz, Iran were enrolled in 2009-2010. Anthropometric indexes including (weight, height and WC) were measured using standardized measures and methods. BMI was classified into normal, overweight and obesity based on WHO classification. Abdominal obesity was defined as WC ≥ 88 cm. Pregnancy complication including gestational diabetes, hypertension and preeclamsia. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 16.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean of BMI and WC were 24.32±4.08 kg/m(2), 81.84±9.25cm at 1(st) trimester of pregnancy, respectively. Prevalence of overweight (BMI=25-29.9kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI>29.9 kg/m(2)) was 27.6%, 8.8%, respectively. Abdominal obesity based on WC was 34.8%. Significant correlations were found between BMI and WC (r=0.73, P =0.0001). Women with BMI>29.9 kg/m(2) and WC>88 cm were more likely to suffer from gestational pregnancy and hypertension, as well as preeclampsia and preterm delivery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early maternal WC similar to BMI is related with pregnancy complications.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mehrangiz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ebrahimi-Mameghani
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Tabriz Azad University of Medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Esmat
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mehrabi
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
authors.forename: Mahin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kamalifard
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
authors.forename: Parisa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yavarikia
keywords: Body Mass Index; Pregnancy complications; Waist Circumference