Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy: Exploring the Bidirectional Relationship between Maternal Periodontal Health and Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is a common chronic inflammatory condition that may be linked to pregnancy in both directions: the hormonal changes of pregnancy can worsen periodontal health, and periodontal inflammation may in turn affect pregnancy outcome. Evidence from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is limited.

Aims and Objectives: To assess the association between maternal periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes, specifically preterm birth and low birth weight, among pregnant women in Peshawar.

Material and Methods: This Prospective observational study enrolled 186 pregnant women attending tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. Periodontal status was assessed clinically using standardized indices, and pregnancy outcome data were taken from delivery records.

Results: Of the 186 participants, 121 (65%) had periodontitis. Preterm birth occurred in 81 women (43.5%) and low birth weight in 79 (42.5%). All of these cases were in women with periodontitis: 81 of 121 (66.9%) delivered preterm and 79 of 121 (65.3%) had a low birth weight infant, compared with none of the 65 women without periodontitis. Both outcomes became more frequent as severity increased, reaching 100% in women with severe periodontitis. Both associations were statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Maternal periodontal disease was strongly associated with preterm birth and low birth weight in this sample, and the frequency of both rose with disease severity. Adding periodontal screening to routine antenatal care could help identify higher-risk pregnancies and merits consideration in maternal health policy.