Fetal outcome among obese parturients

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Perinatal Health

Background:

• Obesity in pregnancy is a growing concern with potential implications for fetal outcomes.
• Previous studies suggest a link between maternal obesity and adverse perinatal events, but specific risk factors require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of maternal obesity on fetal outcomes in a controlled study.
• To identify specific maternal and infant risk factors associated with obesity during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A controlled study involving 300 obese pregnant women compared to nonobese controls.
• Analysis of perinatal loss, Apgar scores, and delivery methods (vaginal vs. cesarean section).
• Stratification of risk based on maternal age, parity, gestational age, and comorbidities like diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

Main Results:

• Obese gravidae exhibited a tenfold greater perinatal loss compared to nonobese mothers, primarily driven by diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, and advanced maternal age.
• Infants of obese mothers had significantly lower 1-minute Apgar scores, particularly those not at extremes of maternal age, parity, or gestational age.
• Depressed Apgar scores were more frequent in infants born vaginally to obese mothers, with no difference observed in cesarean-delivered infants.

Conclusions:

• Stricter obstetric care is recommended for elderly obese mothers and those with pre-eclampsia and diabetes.
• Uncomplicated obese parturients without significant comorbidities do not appear to be at increased risk for adverse fetal outcomes.
• The mode of delivery influences Apgar scores in infants of obese mothers, highlighting the need for tailored obstetric management.