The effect of body mass index on maternal and neonatal health in term pregnancies: a cross-sectional study in Turkey

PPBMI and GWG are significant predictors of maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Elevated PPBMI and inappropriate GWG are associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes, macrosomia, cesarean delivery, low APGAR scores, low birth weight, and prolonged neonatal hospitalization. These findings highlight the critical role of routine assessment and management of maternal weight status and weight gain during prenatal care in reducing preventable complications for both mothers and their newborns.