Publication:

Maternal obesity and its outcome in the fetus

Background Maternal obesity increases the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and caesarian sections. We conducted this study to find out the outcome of maternal obesity on pregnancy and neonates.

Methods 1398 pregnant ladies who came into the Gynaecology department between the age of 18-40 were included into the study. Demographic details including age, height and weight were noted. BMI was calculated bases on the weight and height of the patients. Routine blood tests were performed. If random blod sugar was elevated, OGTT was done to identify gestational diabetes.

Results The prevalence of overweight/ obese patients was 27.7%, of which, 72.1% were overweight, 23.1% were obese and 30 7.5% were severely obese. Most of the patients with overweight/obese over the age of 30 years. The most common complication among these women was hypertension, followed by post partum haemorrhage. Gestational diabetes was observed among 19.1% of the cases. 62.3% of them underwent caesarian sections and preeclampsia was seen in 35.9% patients. Macrosomia and higher birth weight was seen in most of the neonates.

Conclusions Hypertension, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are the common outcomes in the mothers leading largely to caesarian sections and higher birth weight and macrosomia is seen in neonates.