Effect of Low BMI On Preterm Delivery

Background: Preterm delivery (PTD), defined as childbirth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. While maternal obesity is a well-recognized risk factor, the impact of low maternal BMI on preterm birth outcomes in developing countries is less explored. Objective: to evaluate the risk of premature delivery among women undergoing treatment at a Quetta tertiary care hospital in connection to low maternal body mass index (BMI <18.5 kg/m²). Methodology: 110 pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 40 who were chosen at random participated in a six-month qualitative study. Clinical records and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. The relationship between low BMI and PTD was investigated using thematic analysis. Results: Preterm birth occurred in 48.4% of underweight women (n=62) as opposed to 18.8% of women with normal BMI. Early delivery and problems such PPROM and fetal growth limitation were substantially correlated with socioeconomic difficulties, poor attendance during prenatal care, and nutritional inadequacies. Conclusion: Preterm birth risk is greatly increased by low mother BMI. Reducing negative outcomes requires improving access to prenatal care and maternal nutrition.