Comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes in non-obese and obese women

Background: Maternal obesity is a growing public health problem with negative maternal and perinatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the maternal and foetal outcomes of obese and non-obese pregnant women. Methods: The study was case–control conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESICMC & PGIMSR, Bengaluru from April 2024 to September 2025. 180 pregnant women were recruited and divided into obese (n=90) and non-obese (n=90) groups. Women who were pregnant with a single foetus and who were aged 19–42 years were included. The participants were followed during the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period. Data was collected and analysed with SPSS version 26 and p<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Mean BMI was significantly higher in obese than non-obese women (33.56±4.01 vs. 22.32±1.53 kg/m²). Obese women were more likely to have comorbidities than normal weight women (73.3% vs. 41.1%, p<0.001), such as gestational diabetes mellitus (24.4% vs. 8.9%) and preeclampsia (24.4% vs. 6.7%). The rate of preterm birth (24.4% vs. 12.2%) and lower-segment caesarean section (54.4% vs. 36.7%) were higher in obese women. The intrauterine fetal death rate was only in obese women (4.4%). Obese women were more likely to be admitted to NICU (83.7% vs. 43.3%, p<0.001) mainly because of neonatal hypoxia and birth asphyxia. Conclusion: Maternal obesity was significantly linked to greater rates of antenatal comorbidities, operative delivery, and adverse neonatal outcomes, and preterm delivery. Better antenatal monitoring and prompt obstetric intervention is recommended in obese pregnancies.