Obesity significantly increases the risk of recurrent miscarriages, UK researchers have claimed.
When the body mass index (BMI) of almost 700 women who had experienced at least three unexplained miscarriages was investigated, 45% of the women were found to be overweight or obese.
All women had previously undergone comprehensive investigations, but no cause as to why they kept miscarrying was established.
In total, 1% of the women were underweight, 54% were of normal weight, 30% were overweight and 15% were obese.
In those who went on to have a subsequent pregnancy, 19% of those who miscarried again were obese, compared to 11% who had a successful pregnancy.
Mothers being over the age of 35 and high numbers of previous miscarriages were associated with poor pregnancy outcome.
When maternal age and number of previous miscarriages were adjusted, obese women were shown to have a significantly increased risk of a further miscarriage compared to those with a normal weight.
“Ours is the first study to look directly at the link between BMI and recurrent miscarriage. It shows that obese women who experience recurrent miscarriage are at greater risk of subsequent pregnancy loss,” said Winnie Lo of St Mary’s Hospital, London.
Ms Lo advised that all women with recurrent miscarriage should be weighed at their first consultation. Those who are found to be obese should be counselled regarding the benefits of weight loss in increasing their chances of a successful pregnancy, she said.
“Programmes should be in place to help with the weight loss progress,” Ms Lo concluded.
The research was released at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 7th International Scientific Meeting in Montreal.