Obesity-related complications of pregnancy vary by race

To evaluate racial effects on obstetric complications in obese gravidas.

The obstetric database was reviewed for the period 6/1/94 to 3/31/97. All clinic patients delivering singletons were included. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 29 kg/m2 or more, or a pre-pregnancy weight of 200 pounds or more. Complications studied included hypertension, diabetes, cesarean delivery, and fetal macrosomia.

Of 2,424 eligible subjects, 168 were obese (6.9%). Obese patients had higher rates of chronic hypertension and pregestational diabetes, as well as increased rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal macrosomia, cesarean delivery, and operative vaginal delivery compared to nonobese patients. Of the obese patients, 105 (63%) were Hispanic, 39 (23%) were African American, and 24 (14%) were White; no Asian or Mixed/Other patients were obese. Mean BMIs of the obese subgroups did not differ (P = 0.14), but prepregnancy weights were greater in Whites than Hispanics (P < 0.002). Obese Hispanics had an increased rate of gestational diabetes (P = 0.04) and of infant weight > or =4,500 g (P =.03). Obese Hispanic and African American women were more likely than obese Whites to deliver by cesarean (P = 0.03).

Racial differences affect the complication rates in obese gravidas, and may influence prenatal counseling and pregnancy management.