An investigation into utilising gestational body mass index as a screening tool for adverse birth outcomes and maternal morbidities in a group of pregnant women in Khayelitsha.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the gestational body mass index (BMI) method to screen for adverse birth outcomes and maternal morbidities.

Design: This was a substudy of a randomised controlled trial, the Philani Mentor Mothers' study.

Setting And Subjects: The Philani Mentor Mothers' study took place in a peri-urban settlement, Khayelitsha, between 2009 and 2010.