Maternal obesity: Pregnancy outcome among overweight and obese women in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala

Abstract

Background: Obesity in pregnancy is of great concern in Kerala. According to the National Family Health Survey-3, Kerala holds second position next to Punjab, with a 34% prevalence of overweight and obesity. Based on consensus guidelines, the BMI categories for Asian Indians have been revised and categorized overweight as a BMI of 23.0 - 24.9 kg/m2 and obesity as a BMI >25 kg/m2. This study aims to determine the pregnancy outcome among overweight and obese women and compare the pregnancy outcomes among overweight and obese with normal BMI women. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Travancore Medical College Kollam Kerala for six months. The revised consensus guidelines for Asian Indians were considered for BMI categorization. Results: 63.9% of pregnant women were either overweight or obese of the total 399 pregnant women. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) were the common antenatal complications significantly associated with overweight and obese women. Preterm labor was also significantly increased in overweight and obese women. Conclusion: Obesity is a rising public health concern in Kerala reflected in pregnancy, with an increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Obesity is a modifiable risk factor that health care providers need to address during preconception, antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods, thereby preventing obesity complications.