The Effects of Maternal Obesity on Some Obstetric Features: A Comparative and Descriptive Study

BackgroundThe worldwide increase in obesity triggers the increase in the incidence of obesity during pregnancy. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of maternal obesity on some obstetric features. MethodsThis study was conducted in a tertiary hospital with a comparative group, crosssectional and descriptive design. The data of the study were collected with a Data Collection Form created by the researchers. Descriptive statistics, Pearsons chi-squared test, independentsamples t-test, and multinomial regression analysis were used to analyze the data. ResultsIn this study, women were divided into two groups, namely the obese group (BMI>29.9 kg/m2) and the normal weight group (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of their height, education level, employment status, income level, and place of residence (p>0.05). It was determined that the obese group had higher rates of multiparity, postmature deliveries, and fetal distress developing in their babies on labor (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of their modes of delivery, onset of labor, and the requirement of interventions during the second stage of the labor (p>0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, maternal obesity was found to increase the rates of multiparity by 1.758 times (1.038-2.978 CI, p=0.036), post-maturity by 5.902 times (1.283-27.164 CI, p=0.023), and moderate postpartum hemorrhage by 2.286 times (1.433-3.646 CI, p=0.001). ConclusionIt is important that women who have obesity problems in the preconception period are counseled to help them reach a normal BMI. Health care professionals should advise women on healthy nutrition and weight control during both the pregnancy and postpartum periods.