Evaluation of anthropometric and lipid profile changes at different trimesters among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Njoku, Chidiadi M and Meludu, Samuel C and Onuegbu, Jude A and Okafor, Chidimma and Osakue, Nosakhare O and Onuora, Joy I (2025) Evaluation of anthropometric and lipid profile changes at different trimesters among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 27 (1). pp. 818-822. ISSN 2581-9615

Background: Regular physiological changes in pregnancy pose a metabolic challenge to individuals due to modifications the body makes for fetal growth and development, resulting in increased insulin resistance, inflammation and alterations in body composition, lipid levels and haemodynamic factors. Objective: This study evaluates the lipid profile changes at different trimesters of pregnancy in pregnant women with proteinuria and glycosuria in Nnewi Anambra State. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted involving two hundred and fifty-two pregnant women categorized by trimester. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters including triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. TG/HDL was calculated. Results: Significant trimester-dependent changes were observed in TG (p<0.001), HDL-C (p=0.017), and TG/HDL-C ratio (p<0.001). Post-hoc analysis indicated elevated TG and TG/HDL-C ratio in third trimester and peak HDL-C in second trimester. Conclusion: TG, HDL-C, and TG/HDL-C ratio may serve as early biomarkers for identifying at-risk pregnancies. Monitoring these may aid in reducing adverse outcomes and long-term maternal morbidity.