Maternal obesity and pregnancy: a retrospective study
Angela M Kerrigan1, Carol Kingdon
1Midwifery Research Department, Room 54, Antenatal Clinic, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK. angela.kerrigan@lwh.nhs.uk
Midwifery
|February 7, 2009
Summary
Maternal obesity affects 17.7% of pregnant women, increasing risks for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and C-sections. No link was found with social deprivation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Maternal obesity is a growing concern in public health.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of obesity in pregnant populations is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of obesity among pregnant women in a major North West England city.
- To investigate associations between maternal obesity and social deprivation.
- To compare pregnancy outcomes between obese and non-obese women.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted.
- Maternal records from 8176 women who gave birth in 2006 at Europe's largest maternity hospital were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study found that 17.7% of pregnant women were clinically obese.
- Obesity rates correlated with increasing maternal age.
- Obese women had significantly higher rates of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, labor induction, cesarean section, and fetal macrosomia.
- No association was identified between maternal obesity and social deprivation.
Conclusions:
- The study established the incidence of maternal obesity in the region, highlighting significant associated pregnancy risks.
- Recommendations include shared antenatal care, delivery in consultant-led units for obese women, and advocating for preconception care.
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