EJMS

Abstract

Objective: To study and compare multiple maternal and neonatal outcomes as well as weight gain throughout pregnancy among obese and lean pregnant women. Patients and methods: This cohort study was held in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Benha University Hospitals between January 2015 and July 2016. 2000 pregnant women were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups according to their BMI at early pregnancy to compare their past obstetric performance and current pregnancy outcomes. Collected data were analyzed appropriately to achieve the pre-determined study outcomes. Results: Obese pregnant women had a higher incidence of past obstetric history of abortion (p<0.0001), preterm birth (p<0.015), gestational DM (p<0.0001), gestational hypertension (p<0.0001), preeclampsia (p<0.0001). Also, they had statistically more cesarean deliveries when compared to the lean group (65.1% vs. 24.9%). Regarding neonatal outcomes, higher birth weight, lower APGAR score at one and five minutes, lower umbilical PH and higher NICU admissions were identified in the obese group. The overall weight gain was comparable between both groups. However, based on subgroup analysis Primigravidae in the lean group showed statistically significant higher weight gain during pregnancy. Conclusion: Despite weight gain during pregnancy, obesity solely carries higher risk of wide range of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and affects the mode of delivery.