Obesity-pregnancy and Associated Risk Factors- A Cross Sectional Study in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Background: The incidence of obesity between pregnant females in Pakistan is increasing, and has been a greater burden on the obstetric care, the objective of this study is to analyze the effect of obesity on pregnancy and newborn fetus.

Methodology: This is the cross-sectional comparative study, of 200 pregnant females, bearing single fetus, Females were characterized into three groups depending on their body mass index (BMI): class 1 (BMI 30–34 kg/m2); Class II (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2) and; Class III (BMI ˃40 kg/m2). Maternal and fetal outcomes were assessed using Chi-square and student’s t- test.

Results: Total study population was 200 out of which 65% females were in class I obese (BMI 30–34), while 24.5% in class II obese (BMI 35–39.9kg/m2), while 5% of them in obesity class III, , The obesity shows significant association with pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and Urinary tract infections, in all three groups p = 0.0001, The relationship for perineal tears was found non-significant, p .0.51, among all three obese classes, Obesity and episiotomy has significant relation P. 0.002. The method of delivery has strongly significant correlation with obesity, the p value is 0.005.

Conclusion: Pregnant females who are obese have an enhanced hazard of poor gestation results. Specifically, obese pregnant females are having more chances to develop diabetes during pregnancy, hypertension induced by pregnancy, and urinary tract infections. Appropriate strategic plans should be made to decrease the occurrence of obesity in pregnant women for better pregnancy outcome.