Maternal obesity: What are the risks for the mother and the newborn

Introduction. Maternal obesity is a growing health issue .It is defined as a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m². In obese parturients, maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy (pregnancy-related arterial hypertension, gestational diabetes, sleep apnea syndrome, macrosomia) are correlated with BMI and weight gain during pregnancy. Materials & Methods. This prospective observational study was conducted over one year (January 1 – December 31, 2020) at the SIDI MABROUK maternity ward in Constantine, Algeria. Patients were divided into three groups based on their BMI (moderate, severe, and morbid obesity), and pregnancy and neonatal complications were analyzed. Results. The study included 150 patients; the patients studied had an average BMI of 35.63 Kg/m², 52.6% had moderate obesity, 30% had severe obesity, and 17.33% had morbid obesity. The pregnancy of obese women was more frequently marked by complications such as pregnancy-related hypertension 40%, pre-eclampsia 29.87%, gestational diabetes 12%, and OSA 53.3%. These complications increased with BMI and weight gain. Newborn weights were significantly higher in patients with morbid obesity. Our study confirms that obesity is the cause of significant pregnancy complications and should consider these pregnancies as at risk. Our practices must consider these complications, ensuring appropriate and early anesthetic care to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.