Effect of Maternal Overweight and Obesity on Pregnancy Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Maternal overweight and obesity are reported as a risk factor for many antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and neonatal complications. Maternal complications, such as hypertensive disorders, diabetes and venous thrombo-embolism, are associated with maternal overweight and obesity. Aim: To determine the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal overweight and obesity. Study Design: A prospective case-control study Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Bint AL-Huda hospital in Thi-Qar governorate- Iraq, from 1 May 2021 until the end of June 2021. Methodology: The pregnant women were categorized to be non-obese when their body mass index (BMI) was 19.8-24.9 kg/m2, overweight when their BMI was 25-29.9 kg/m2 and obese when their BMI was 30 kg/m2 or more. The total studied cases were 432 (141 normal weight, 156 overweight and 135 obese pregnant women). After measuring BMI in the first booking visit, all data was taken by questionnaire (Maternal: age, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, hydramnios, preterm delivery, induction of labor, Caesarean delivery; Fetal and neonatal complications: macrosomia LGA, SGA, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, abortion, congenital defects, admission in NICU, fetal death). Results: Gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes were significantly increased in overweight and obese compared with normal weight pregnant women. Induction of labor and Caesarean delivery were significantly increased in obese only compared with normal weight women. Furthermore, LGA and macrosomia were significantly increased in both overweight and obese in comparison with normal weight pregnant women, while SGA was significantly decreased in overweight and obese. Fetal admission in NICU and abortion was significantly increased in obese only. Conclusions: Pregnancy complications related to maternal BMI is a growing problem. Maternal overweight and obesity in pregnancy are important contributors to obstetric complications and adverse outcomes. Maternal obesity is a risk factor for antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum complications. Public health efforts are urgently required to promote weight management among women of reproductive age before conception and during pregnancy.