Bioelectric Impedance Analysis and Pregnancy Outcomes

BIA is a new method of measuring total body water, fat, and lean mass. It is measured noninvasively, and the investigators plan on using the InBody analyzer (www.InBody.com) in this study. The analysis takes a few seconds and only requires the participant to stand on a small platform and grasp a small device in each hand. The machine then uses low electrical current to analyze the body composition and produce a read-out.

The investigators plan on doing this analysis longitudinally across gestation in multiple trimesters to analyze the ability to predict maternal morbid conditions prior to the current clinically-based criteria as a novel marker to aid in routine prenatal care, as compared to the traditional weight measurement currently being done.

Both increased maternal prepregnancy weight (body mass index) and increased maternal gestational weight gain have been associated with increased risks of multiple obstetrical complications (both maternal and fetal). The investigators seek to compare the current standard with BIA in its ability to predict maternal/fetal adverse outcomes such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.

PRIOR RESEARCH

There are a few studies in pregnant patients correlating BIA and pregnancy outcomes: