MATERNAL OBESITY AS A PREDICTOR OF UNFAVORABLE PREGNANCY OUTCOME

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a growing concern worldwide. Maternal obesity has significant health implications, contributing to increased morbidity for mother and baby. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. Aim. The aim of the study was to show a correlation between BMI, delivery mode, hypertension, and prematurity. Methods. The study was done at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics. It was a case-control observational prospective study, in which 63 pregnant women were evaluated. According to BMI pregnant women were divided into 3 groups: normal, overweight, and obese. Women were recruited in the 28th gestational weeks and were followed until they delivered. Of interest were: hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, delivery mode, prematurity, Apgar score, and newborns weight. Results. We found that increased BMI has a strong association with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, prematurity as well as with an increased Cesarean section. We found that more than 76% of obese patients (BMI>30 kg/m2 ) were delivered with a cesarean section, median gestational age at delivery was 35.0 gestational weeks and hypertension in pregnancy was seen in 71% of these patients. Conclusion. Maternal BMI shows strong associations with pregnancy complications and outcomes. Preventive strategies have to be introduced to reduce obesity and improve perinatal outcomes for both mother and baby.