Preterm low birth weight (PLBW) infants are more likely to die during the neonatal period and PLBW survivors face neurodevelopmental problems, respiratory problems, and congenital anomalies. It is said that the poor periodontal health of the pregnant woman is a potential risk factor of PLBW. This investigation aims to study the oral hygiene and gingival inflammation condition of 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy women and relate to the putative periodontal pathogen bacteriae as the probable cause of PLBW. The plaque index (Pll), calculus index (CI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) of the subjects of
both groups were measured and compared. Maternal infection during pregnancy has been demonstrated to perturb cytokines and hormone- regulated gestation because of the translocation of the infection. The level of gingival cervicular fluid prostaglandin E2 (PG E2), interleukin 1β (lL-1β), lL-6, tumor necrotizing factors a (TNF-a) are usually highly correlated with those in amnion fluid of pregnant women without
bacterial vaginosis (BV) and with intact placental membrane. It is concluded that the periodontal health of pregnant women must be in good condition to prevent the risk of having PLBW still need to be
anticipated due to the presence of the inflammation signs.
