Perinatal Outcome in Overweight Women: An Audit

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Pregnancy in obese women is linked to complications, but outcomes for overweight, non-obese pregnant individuals are less understood.
• This study investigates maternal and fetal outcomes in overweight primigravida compared to normal-weight controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare foeto-maternal outcomes in overweight versus normal-weight primigravida.
• To identify specific risks associated with overweight status during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational cohort study of primigravida at full-term gestation undergoing labor induction.
• Patients categorized into normal weight (BMI<23kg/m²) and overweight (BMI≥23kg/m² and <25kg/m²) groups.
• Collected data on labor parameters, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes (Apgar score, NICU admission).

Main Results:

• Overweight group required more prostaglandin E2 gel doses (51.4% vs 20.8%) and had longer induction-to-delivery intervals (>30 hours in 20% vs 4.3%).
• Higher incidence of failed induction requiring cesarean section in the overweight group (25.7% vs 11.3%).
• Neonates born to overweight mothers had lower initial Apgar scores, but no significant difference in NICU admissions.

Conclusions:

• Pregnancy in overweight women is associated with prolonged labor, increased rates of failed induction, and initial adverse neonatal outcomes.
• Perinatal care should emphasize weight control and tailored management strategies for pregnancy complications.
• Overweight, non-obese pregnant individuals warrant inclusion in research due to similar adverse outcomes observed in obesity.