Maternal obesity: do patients understand the risks?
M A Kominiarek1, S Vonderheid, L K Endres
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. mkomin1@uic.edu
Summary
Maternal obesity poses risks, yet many pregnant women lack knowledge. Obese women need targeted education on weight loss goals for healthier pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Maternal obesity is a significant concern during pregnancy, associated with various health risks.
- Understanding patient knowledge of these risks is crucial for effective health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pregnant women's knowledge regarding the risks associated with maternal obesity.
- To compare this knowledge between non-obese and obese women.
Main Methods:
- A face-to-face survey was conducted with 105 pregnant women at their initial prenatal visit.
- The survey collected data on knowledge of obesity risks, weight history, goals, and health behaviors.
- Statistical analyses, including Student's t-test and chi-squared tests, were used to compare knowledge between non-obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] <30 kg/m²) and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) groups.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of all participants (49%) recognized that obesity increases pregnancy risks. Knowledge of specific risks was similar between non-obese (60%) and obese (64%) groups.
- Obese women demonstrated greater awareness of diabetes risk (96% vs. 68%) and expressed a stronger desire for weight loss before future pregnancies (81% vs. 61%).
- However, obese women's desired pre-pregnancy BMIs were significantly higher than those of non-obese women, indicating potential underestimation of optimal weight goals.
Conclusions:
- Both non-obese and obese pregnant women require enhanced education on the risks of maternal obesity.
- Obese women, in particular, need targeted educational interventions to help them set realistic weight loss goals.
- Increased patient engagement in discussing risks and participating in weight management studies highlights a motivation for healthier pregnancies.
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