Impact of early pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on birth outcomes: Findings from a pregnancy cohort in South Delhi, India

PLOS Global Public Health 2026 Open access

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Authors: Saijuddin Shaikh, Ranadip Chowdhury, Neeta Dhabhai, Sunita Taneja, Nita Bhandari
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005932
Cited by: 0
References: 28

Abstract

Early pregnancy low body mass index (BMI) and inadequate gestational weight gain (IGWG) are significant risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. However, the specific risks among underweight women with IGWG or excessive GWG (EGWG), as well as overweight/obese women with IGWG or EGWG, compared to normal BMI women with adequate GWG (AGWG), remain poorly defined.The primary objective is to estimate the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) among women with underweight at early pregnancy and IGWG compared to women with normal weight at early pregnancy and AGWG. Data were derived from a randomized factorial trial. BMI was assessed at

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gestational Diabetes Research and Management Birth Development and Health Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare

Publication details

Journal / source
PLOS Global Public Health
Volume
6
Issue
2
Pages
e0005932–e0005932
Publication date
9 February 2026
Language
EN