Maternal overnutrition and pregnancy

During the period from October 1, 1999 till February 29, 2000, 500 pregnant women were analyzed according to overnutrition, i.e. weight gain. The analysis was performed in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Osijek University Hospital for pregnant women from east Slavonia, Baranya and west Srijem, where large quantities of dietary fats and carbohydrates are used. The mean weight gain during pregnancy was assessed. The mean weight of male infants in primiparae was 3.22 g, i.e. 8% higher than the mean value for the same population in Zagreb. The rate of EPH gestoses in patients with weight gain over 12 kg was significantly higher (4.0%) than in those with weight gain less than 12 kg (1.8%). In pregnant patients with weight gain > 12 kg, the rate of cesarean section was significantly higher (9.2%) than in those with weight gain < 12 kg (4.4% o). Perinatal mortality was significantly higher (10.0%) in pregnancies with weight gain > 12 kg than in those with weight gain < 12 kg (2.0% o). It is concluded that dependence on overeating in pregnancy may result in higher rates of EPH gestosis, cesarean section and perinatal mortality.