1. Post Graduate, 2. Associate Professor, 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore

To assess if each trimester weight gain can influence the maternal haemodynamics in singleton term parturients with normal prepregnancy BMI posted for elective caesarean section under sub arachnoid blockade

This observational cross section study was conducted in the department of Anaesthesiology at Kasturba Medical College Hospitals, Mangalore. A total of 93 parturients were allocated into 3 groups depending on their weight gain during pregnancy: 8-10 kg; 11-13 kg; > 13kg. Each trimester weight gain was noted from the antenatal records. Baseline HR and BP were recorded before SAB and changes from baseline were noted after SAB. The data was analysed statistically

Mean baseline systolic BP was higher in the > 13 kg group (117.68 mm Hg) compared to 11-13 kg group (116.03 mm Hg) and 8-10 kg group (111.09 mm Hg). Mean baseline HR was comparable among all 3 groups. The frequency of hypotension was significantly higher in the 8-10 kg group when compared to > 13 kg groups (p=0.044). Each trimester weight gain and frequency of hypotension was not correlated in all 3 groups (p>0.05). There was a significant difference in the birth weight of the newborn among all 3 groups (p=0.00)

We conclude that inadequate maternal weight gain < 11 kg is associated with lower baseline systolic blood pressure, increased incidence of hypotension and lesser birth weight of the newborn at the time of elective caesarean section under subarachnoid blockade