A Study on Impact of Maternal Obesity on Pregnancy Outcome

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyse whether obese women have an increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse foetal outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant mothers attending antenatal out- patient department at Raja Mirasudhar Hospital, Thanjavur medical college hospital were selected based on inclusion and exclusion creiteria. Hundred non- obese pregnant women and hundred obese pregnant women were allotted to the control and study group respectively. In the study group, women were allotted according to the class of obesity: CLASS I - BMI 30 to 34.9 Kg/m2, CLASS II - BMI 35 to 39.9 Kg/m2, CLASS III - BMI > 40 Kg/m2. In all women a detailed history followed by complete general and physical examination was done. Relevant haematological, biochemical investigations, USG were done. They were followed up to delivery and postpartum until discharge and outcome studied. RESULTS: In our study obese pregnant woman belonged to older age group and were with increased parity. The incidence of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension were 13% and 28%. Our study showed increased induction and caesarean section rate in the obese group (control- 10% obese – 48% with p<0.001) compared to control group. In our study 22% of babies born to obese mothers required NICU admissions compared to 7% in the control group with p < 0.001.Early neonatal death constituted 2% in the obese group. CONCLUSION: Our study showed an increased incidence in the morbidities in both obese women and fetus compared to normal BMI pregnant woman. This indicates the importance of pre - conceptional counselling which is the appropriate time for creating awareness regarding the hazards of obesity in pregnancy and ideal time for the interventional measures to be sought. Greater significance and awareness needs to be placed on the importance of normal weight before pregnancy