ABSTRACT
To determine the role of periodontal disease in the development of adverse pregnancy outcome including low birth weight, preterm labor and to measure abnormal C reactive protein and its impact on adverse pregnancy outcome. This was a case control study. Periodontal disease was considered as 3 mm in 33 or more teeth. Adverse pregnancy outcome [APO] was defined as a singleton preterm birth and low birth weight. All mothers were interviewed and examined for periodontal disease. A blood sample of 3 ml was taken for C reactive protein assessment at the time of examination. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS windows version 17. There were 600mothers observed for periodontal disease and c reactive protein and adverse pregnancy outcome. The adverse pregnancy outcome [APO] included preterm labour and low birth weight 129[21.5%].The birth weight < 2500 gms [low birth weight] was twice more prone to develop APO due to Periodontal disease [PD] compared to controls with birth weight> 2500gms.The gestational age before 37weeks [preterm] was 4 times more common with PD compared to controls. Adverse pregnancy outcome is a possible complication of maternal periodontal disease