Preterm low birth weight (PLBW) are the most relevant biological cause of new born survival both in developed and in developing countries. For adverse pregnancy outcomes, various risk factors have been defined in the studies. There are common etiological factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes like genitourinary tract infections along with various metabolic and genetic factors. It is well known from various literatures that sub-clinical infection sites which are away from genitourinary tract may also be the cause for pregnancy outcomes which are adverse for both mother and fetus. The periodontal infection has been reported in many studies as a possible risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Poor periodontal health status of the pregnant women is the potential risk factor for PLBW. Although this review found a consistent association between periodontal infection and PLBW. Education for the pregnant women and health care providers in respect of biological plausibility of association and the potential risks is indicated for the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Keywords: Pregnancy; periodontal infections; periodontal status; premature; preterm; low birth weight and risk factors.