Relationship Between the Periodontal Status of Pregnant Women and the Incidence and Severity of Pre-term and/or Low Birth Weight Deliveries: A Retrospective Observational Case-Control Study

Background: Literature worldwide has linked periodontitis to preterm births and/or low-birth-weight infants. However, to our knowledge, research on this topic is scarce in India. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that South Asian nations, particularly India, have the highest rates of preterm births and low-birth-weight infants as well as periodontitis due to poor socioeconomic conditions. Overall, 70% of perinatal fatalities result from prematurity and/or low birth weight, which also increases the incidence of morbidity and drives up the cost of postpartum care by a factor of ten. The frequency and severity of the illness may be greater among the Indian population due to their poor socioeconomic status. To lower the mortality rate and the cost of postnatal care, it is necessary to investigate the impact and severity of the effect of periodontal conditions on pregnancy outcomes in India. Materials and methods: Following the collection of obstetric and prenatal records from the hospital in compliance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, a sample of 150 pregnant women were chosen from public healthcare clinics for the research. Within three days of delivery following enrolment in the trial, a single physician recorded each subject's periodontal condition using the University of North Carolina-15 (UNC-15) probe under artificial lighting and the Russell periodontal index. The gestational age was calculated based on the latest menstrual cycle, and a medical professional would order an ultrasound if they felt it was essential. The doctor weighed the newborns soon after delivery and in accordance with this prenatal record. The acquired data was analyzed using a suitable statistical analysis technique. Results: The severity of a pregnant woman's periodontal disease was significantly correlated with the infant's birth weight and gestational age. Preterm births and low-birth-weight infants became more prevalent as the severity of the periodontal disease rose. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that periodontal disease in pregnant women may increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight in infants.