[The effect of maternal weight on pregnancy outcome]

To examine the frequency of adverse outcome during pregnancy and delivery and neonatal complications among normal weight, overweight and obese women at the beginning of pregnancy.

The study is a retrospective cohort study of 600 women, divided in 3 groups on the basis of maternal body mass index (BMI) at the beginning of pregnancy; 300 normal weight women (BMI 19.0-24.9), 150 overweight women (BMI 25.0-29.9) and 150 obese women (BMI ≥ 30). Maternal and neonatal complications were compared between groups.

Obese women have a significantly increased risk of; essential hypertension prior to pregnancy (p<0.001), developing gestational hypertension (p=0.03), pre-eclampsia (p=0.007), gestational diabetes (p<0.001), musculoskeletal symptoms (p=0.04), requiring induction of labour (pp=0.006) and being delivered by cesarean section (p<0.001), both emergent (pp=0.012) and elective (pp=0.008) compared to mothers of normal weight and overweight. Neonates of obese mothers have significantly higher birth weight (pp=0.004), larger head circumference (p<0.001) and are more likely to require admission to neonatal ward compared with neonates of normal weight and overweight mothers (pp=0.004).

Obesity carries a significant risk to maternal and neonatal health. During pregnancy maternal complications are increased causing adverse effects for both mother and infant. Women of reproductive age need counselling regarding the adverse effects of obesity on pregnancy outcome.