Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This observational cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate systemic and oral conditions in pregnant women with excessive pre-pregnancy weight (PEW) and normal pre-pregnancy weight (PNW) who underwent follow-up in the private healthcare system during the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Fifty pregnant women were evaluated from August 2017 to February 2018 and divided into two groups: women with PEW (n = 25); and those with PNW (n = 25). Their weight and body mass index (BMI), periodontal disease status, stimulated salivary flow, and systemic condition were evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using t-test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test and binary logistic regression (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The groups did not differ in age, educational level or monthly household income (P > 0.05). The PEW group had a higher frequency of arterial hypertension (P = 0.019) and excessive weight gain during gestation (P = 0.010), sought dental services less frequently, and had increased severity of periodontitis (P < 0.0001). Both groups presented low salivary flow, with no intergroup difference. In the final binary logistic regression models, high maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was a significant predictor of arterial hypertension and periodontitis during the third trimester of gestation; maternal excessive weight gain was also a significant predictor of periodontitis during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Women with PEW who underwent follow-up in a private healthcare system had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension and worse periodontal status during the third trimester of pregnancy as compared to women with normal weight.