Pregnancy related complications due to obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus among women in Saudi Arabia

Gestational Diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the major maternal health problems in Middle East countries. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence rates of GDM fall in the range of 16.2% to 24.2%. The study determined the antenatal complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with GDM among a sample of Obese/GDM and Non-Obese/GDM women. A record based retrospective study was conducted including females who received obstetric care in a tertiary care hospital in Ha'il city of Saudi Arabia from December 2020 to June 2021. We gathered data from the medical records of 376 pregnant females who were registered and delivered at Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH). Multinomial regression analysis was applied to determine independent association of GDM and Obesity with pre-postnatal health outcomes. Out of 376 pregnant women 29.2% were identified as (NonObese/Non-GDM); 37.1% of women as having both conditions (GDM/Obesity); 19.2% as (Non-Obese/GDM) and 14.1% as (Obese/Non-GDM). The proportion of underweight and overweight babies were high in women with both conditions (Obese/GDM). Findings from our regression analysis demonstrated that Non-Obese/GDM women were 2.7 times more likely to have high child birthweight (p<0.001) when compared to Non-Obese/Non-GDM. Obese/GDM women were more likely to have low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores (p<0.001) and increase neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (p<0.01). Healthcare policy makers and professionals should revisit gaps in existing obstetrical care to prevent adverse impact on women and newborn health. Non-Obese women at risk of GDM should also be given due attention for early screening, timely diagnosis, and appropriate pre-postnatal care. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[2]: 38-46).