Prevalence of Recurrence of Pre-Eclampsia and its Association with Raised Body Mass Index in Multiparous Women

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we assessed BMI as a risk factor for recurrent preeclampsia so that proper counseling and antenatal care would be given in order to provide a good outcome in subsequent pregnancies.
Methodology: This descriptive prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit III, over a period of 1st April 2014 to 30th October 2014. A total of 193 women with previous history of pre-eclampsia at >20 weeks assessed through previous pregnancy records included discharge records/antenatal cards and from history were included in this study. BMI was calculated and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 was labeled as raised BMI.
Results: Frequency of recurrent preeclampsia in multiparous women was observed in 35.23% (68/193) and frequency in multiparous women with raised BMI (≥25kg/m2) was 73.5 %( 50/193). Recurrent preeclampsia was significantly high in women with raised BMI (≥25kg/m2).   
Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a high frequency of recurrent preeclampsia in multiparous women which may not only compromise a woman’s health but may also affect her decision to have more children. Pre-pregnancy BMI is also an important predictor of recurrent preeclampsia.