Do lower antenatal blood pressure cut-offs in pregnant women with obesity identify those at greater risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes? A secondary analysis of data from the UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial (UPBEAT)
Authors' conclusion
Among pregnant women with obesity, we found no evidence that lowering the antenatal BP considered to be abnormal (from 140/90 mmHg) would assist in identifying women and babies at risk.
Study context
- Population
- Pregnant women with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²) enrolled in UPBEAT; maximal antenatal blood pressure (BP) categorised by 2017 ACC/AHA criteria
- Comparison
- 2017 ACC/AHA antenatal BP categories vs 'Normal' BP
- Primary endpoint
- Preterm birth, PPH, SGA (birthweight <10th centile) and NICU admission
Methodological detailsAssociations adjusted for UPBEAT intervention, maternal age, booking BMI, ethnicity, parity, smoking, alcohol, and previous pre-eclampsia or GDM
- Associations adjusted for UPBEAT intervention, maternal age, booking BMI, ethnicity, parity, smoking, alcohol, and previous pre-eclampsia or GDM
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Preterm birth, PPH, SGA, NICU admission
Estimate (CI)
Severe Stage 2 hypertensionvs BP < 160/110 mmHg
RR (PPH) 2.57(1.35–4.86)
Severe Stage 2 hypertensionvs BP < 160/110 mmHg
RR (SGA) 2.52(1.05–6.07)
Original publication
Do lower antenatal blood pressure cut-offs in pregnant women with obesity identify those at greater risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes? A secondary analysis of data from the UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial (UPBEAT). Int J Obes (Lond). Published 16 June 2025. doi:10.
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