[Arterial blood pressure values in first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy: examining the effect of obesity].

INTRODUCTION

The global incidence of obesity during pregnancy is increasing, and this poses a significant challenge in the appropriate management of pregnancy and childbirth.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of maternal obesity as a risk factor on hemodynamic parameter changes during pregnancy.

METHOD: From the 557 investigated cases, the body mass index was normal in 326 cases and obesity was detected in 121 cases. Our measurements were classified into 6-6 groups based on gestational weeks (<14, 14-18, 19-23, 24-28, 29-34, >34). The following hemodynamic parameters were measured: mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, heart rate. We examined the changes in these values as the effect of gestational age in normal and obese pregnant women. A comparative study between the individual groups was also conducted.

RESULTS

In pregnant women with normal body mass index, mean arterial pressure did not change significantly (p = 0.25), but there was a non-significant decrease (p = 0.38) at the 15th and a positive non-significant (p = 0.47) spike at the 28th gestational week. The systolic value significantly decreased continuously (p = 0.008), and there was no significant change in the diastolic value (p = 0.86). Pulse pressure decreased significantly (p = 0.0001), whereas the pulse rate (p = 0.01) increased significantly in the first and second trimesters, but in the group with 29-33 weeks of gestation we have experienced a significant increase with regard to both values. In obese pregnant women, mean arterial pressure decreased significantly (p = 0.0001), a significant decrease (p = 0.004) was observed in the 15th week and a significant increase in the 24-28th week of pregnancy (p = 0.0001). Systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure also decreased significantly (p = 0.001). We did not detect any significant change in heart rate (p = 0.53).

DISCUSSION: Comparing the results of the two groups, the measured mean arterial pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure values were significantly higher in the obese group (p = 0.0001). It would be advisable to monitor blood pressure at least monthly under validated conditions, with particular attention to mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of hypertension during pregnancy. Orv Hetil. 2026; 168(18): 702-713.