Association between high maternal body mass index and feto-maternal outcome

Aim: The aim was to examine the association between high maternal body mass index (BMI) and feto-maternal outcome in primigravida women. Settings and Design: Observational case-control study. Subjects and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on pregnant women admitted for delivery in the labor ward having height and weight recorded before pregnancy or up to 12 weeks of pregnancy fulfilling inclusion criteria. The control group of 200 women with BMI in the normal range (20-24.9 Kg/m 2 ) was compared with study group of 200 women with BMI 25-29.9 Kg/m 2 and more than 30 Kg/m 2 . Outcome measures were maternal complications, obstetric complications and neonatal complications. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21. The strength of association expressed as the odd ratio with 95% confidential interval values. Results: We found a linear relationship between increasing BMI and the risk of developing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, failed induction of labor, cesarean section, both elective and emergency, postpartum hemorrhage, abnormal birth weight and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Conclusions: Obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of feto-maternal complications. Since it is a modifiable and preventable condition, preconception counselling, treatment of obesity before conception and awareness regarding associated health risks are highly desirable.