Maternal and fetal outcomes of mothers with Class I obesity delivered at a tertiary care center

Background: Maternal obesity is a growing concern because it can affect both the mother and baby. This study examined maternal and fetal outcomes in women with Class I obesity at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes, contributing valuable data to inform clinical practice and health policy regarding the management of Class 1 obesity in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This observational cohort study included 160 women with Class I obesity who delivered at Madras Medical College, Chennai, from June 2024 to May 2025. Data were collected from case records, labor notes, neonatal files, and telephone follow-ups. Results: The mean age was 27.22±4.11 years, and most women were 21–25 years old (37.5%). The mean body mass index was 32.4±1.3 kg/m2, and the mean gestational weight gain was 9.7±2.4 kg. The main antenatal problems were gestational hypertension (21.8%), gestational diabetes mellitus requiring insulin (15.1%), and hypothyroidism (11.7%). Labor was induced in 66.3% of cases, and emergency lower segment cesarean section was needed in 35.6% of cases, with failed induction being the main reason (37.5%). Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 26.9% of the patients. Most babies were live-born (96.9%), the mean birth weight was 2.98±0.49 kg, APGAR scores were 6.5 at 1 min and 7.7 at 5 min, and neonatal intensive care unit admission was required in 63.9% of cases, with respiratory distress syndrome being the most common reason (55.6%). Postnatal complications were observed in 16.2% of the patients, mainly surgical site infections (8.1%). Conclusion: Class I obesity was associated with clear maternal and neonatal risks; therefore, earlymonitoring is important.