Metabolic Syndrome in Early Pregnancy and Its Fetomaternal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in pregnancy is an emerging public health
concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, where early
detection remains underutilized. MetS has been linked to increased risks of
gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders, and adverse neonatal
outcomes.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy
among nulliparous women using NCEP ATP III criteria and to evaluate its
association with fetomaternal outcomes.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 110 nulliparous women
in their first trimester attending antenatal care at a tertiary care center. MetS was
diagnosed using the NCEP ATP III criteria, requiring the presence of any three out of
five components: central obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL-C, elevated blood
pressure, or impaired fasting glucose. Demographic, clinical, obstetric, and neonatal
data were collected prospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS,
and group comparisons were made using Student’s t-test and Chi-square test.
Results: The prevalence of MetS in the cohort was 18.2%. Though baseline
metabolic parameters such as BMI, waist circumference, and fasting glucose were
higher in the MetS group, these differences were not statistically significant.
However, MetS was significantly associated with hypertensive disorders of
pregnancy (40% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.004) and cesarean delivery (65% vs. 34.4%, p =
0.03). Neonates born to mothers with MetS had significantly lower birth weights
(2550 ± 390 g vs. 2900 ± 340 g, p = 0.02) and higher NICU admission rates (30% vs.
6.7%, p = 0.03).
Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy is significantly associated with
adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Early screening using composite metabolic
criteria may help identify at-risk women and inform targeted antenatal interventions
to reduce morbidity.