Prevalence of Maternal Complications after Caesarean Section in Women with Abnormal BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

Objective: To determine the frequency and maternal complications of cesarean section in women with BMI >25 kg/m2.

Methodology: This descriptive Case series was done at the Gynaecology and Obstetric Unit III, Civil Hospital Karachi for 6 months i.e. May - Nov 2013. Total 164 obese pregnant women who presentedat gestational age >37 weeks, singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation were included. Data consists of information on demographic items, gestational age, and parity. BMI was calculated by taking weight in kg divided by height in m2. Patients were monitored for progress of labour and mode of delivery was recorded. Maternal complications were identified and noted in pre design proforma.

Results: Frequency of maternal complications in women with BMI >25 kg/m2 was found in 57.14%women.Induced labour was the commonest i.e. 35.1% women followed by primary post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) 13% and shoulder dystocia was observed in 9.1%.

Conclusion: The burden of overweight and obesity in pregnant females belong to local population is high. So it is concluded that pre pregnancy normal body weight females with high BMI during pregnancy require special follow-ups and counselling sessions during pregnancy and delivery.