Relationship between Maternal Body Mass Index and Obstetric and Perinatal Complications

Abstract

Over the past few decades, overweight and obesity have become a growing health problem of particular concern for women of reproductive age as obesity in pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of obstetric and neonatal complications. The objective of this study is to describe the incidence of obstetric and perinatal complications in relation to maternal body mass index (BMI) at the time prior to delivery within the Spanish Health System. For this purpose, a cross-sectional observational study was conducted aimed at women who have been mothers between 2013 and 2018 in Spain. Data were collected through an online survey of 42 items that was distributed through lactation associations and postpartum support groups. A total of 5871 women answered the survey, with a mean age of 33.9 years (SD = 4.26 years). In the data analysis, crude odds ratios (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated through a multivariate analysis. A linear relationship was observed between the highest BMI figures and the highest risk of cephalopelvic disproportion (AOR of 1.79 for obesity type III (95% CI: 1.06–3.02)), preeclampsia (AOR of 6.86 for obesity type III (3.01–15.40)), labor induction (AOR of 1.78 for obesity type III (95% CI: 1.16–2.74)), emergency C-section (AOR of 2.92 for obesity type III (95% CI: 1.68–5.08)), morbidity composite in childbirth (AOR of 3.64 for obesity type III (95% CI: 2.13–6.24)), and macrosomia (AOR of 6.06 for obesity type III (95% CI: 3.17–11.60)), as compared with women with normoweight. Women with a higher BMI are more likely to develop complications during childbirth and macrosomia.

Body mass index and gestational weight gain in pregnant women with gestational diabetes and its relation with adverse maternal and fetal outcome

“…28 Various Indian and international studies depicting similar results were found. [29][30][31] Also, we found higher odds for preterm, macrosomia, IUFD and NICU admissions in study group. In a cohort study by Doi relation between high maternal BMI and pregnancy outcome was studied.…”

“…33,34 Studies by Doi et al, Su et al, Castillejos et al, and Melchor et al also endorses similar results. 29,[30][31][32]35…”

Frequency of fetal iron deficiency anemia at the time of birth in obese mothers.

“…18 Prevalence of obesity is more in women than men making it a point of serious concern for obstetrician. 19 In our study, neonatal anemia was a finding in 22.83% of cases at the time of delivery. While in another study done in America, anemia was found in 24% neonates of obese mothers.…”

The Influence of Maternal Obesity on Cell-Free Fetal DNA and Blood Pressure Regulation in Pregnancies with Hypertensive Disorders

“…Obesity in pregnant women is associated with a significant risk of gestational diabetes, blood pressure disturbance, fetal growth restriction or over nutrition, birth complications and an increased number of caesarean sections. Therefore, in recent decades, it has been a particular concern in global perinatal health care [ 1 ]. A high body mass index (BMI) in pregnant women may reduce the chance of effective screening (traditional serum analysis and ultrasound).…”