MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES OF OBESE PREGNANT PATIENTS

Introduction: Many studies indicated that there is rising prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst children of all ages is increasing in the past few decades. Mothers who are overweight or obese during pregnancy and childbirth, as measured by increasing maternal body mass index (BMI), are known to be at risk of significant antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and also neonatal complications. Objectives of the study: The basic aim of the study is to analyze the maternal and fetal outcome in obese pregnant females in Pakistan. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore during April 2018 to July 2018. One hundred and twenty two women were recruited in the study. The patients were allocated into two groups, group 1 obese patients (68) BMI 30 or more and group 2 non obese patients (54). Patients were excluded from the study, if there was other risk factors like previous Ceserian Section (C.S.) or pre-existing medical and / or obstetric complications to evaluate obesity as the only risk factor and its impact upon pregnancy and obstetric outcome. Results: About two - third of the study group were having mild obesity, moderate obesity comprised about 28% and about 4% only was morbidly obese. Hypertensive disorders were nine folds more among obese women. Obese pregnant women were significantly more prone to have gestational diabetes. Conclusion: It is concluded that as there is higher chances of operative interference during labour, better antenatal care and prior planning for elective caesarean section could prevent complications arising out of emergency caesarean section.