ATHEROGENIC INDEX OF PLASMA (AIP) AND LIPID PROFILE OF PREGNANT WOMEN ACCORDING TO THEIR TRIMESTERS IN BENIN CITY

When Women gets pregnant, it induces profound metabolic changes, particularly in lipid metabolism, to support maternal adaptation and fetal growth. While these alterations are physiological, excessive deviations may predispose women to cardiovascular complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), derived from triglyceride and HDL-C levels, has emerged as a useful biomarker for evaluating cardiovascular risk during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) and lipid profile variations among pregnant women across the three trimesters in Benin City, Nigeria, in order to assess trimester-specific cardiovascular risk patterns. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Benin City, blood samples were collected and analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) using standardized enzymatic colorimetric methods. The AIP was calculated as log(TG/HDL-C). Data were analyzed using ANOVA, correlation, and regression models, with significance set at p < 0.05. The study population was predominantly aged 20–34 years (79%), with most in the third trimester (47%). Pregnant women showed significantly higher BMI and LDL-C compared to non-pregnant controls (p < 0.001). Triglycerides increased progressively from the first trimester (103.52 ± 8.74 mg/dL) to the third (140.04 ± 5.22 mg/dL, p = 0.003). LDL-C peaked in the third trimester (151.36 ± 5.56 mg/dL, p = 0.01), while HDL-C remained relatively stable. The mean AIP rose significantly with gestational age (p = 0.022), with third-trimester values higher than first-trimester values (p = 0.017). AIP correlated strongly and positively with triglycerides across all trimesters (r = 0.76–0.91, p < 0.001), and negatively with HDL-C in late pregnancy (r = – 0.641, p < 0.001). Pregnancy in Benin City is characterized by progressive increases in triglycerides, LDL-C, and AIP, particularly in the third trimester. These findings highlight the need to include lipid and AIP monitoring in antenatal care for early identification of women at risk of adverse outcome.