Impact of Maternal Obesity on Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: A Comparative Analytical Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Maternal obesity has emerged as a major public health concern and is associated with several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim is to compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in obese and non-obese women admitted for delivery at a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: A prospective comparative analytical study was conducted among 100 pregnant women (50 obese and 50 non-obese). Pre-pregnancy/first trimester BMI was calculated using available records. Maternal comorbidities, labour details, mode of delivery and immediate neonatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: Maternal obesity showed significant association with pregnancy-induced hypertension (p=0.011), non-severe preeclampsia (p=0.0038), caesarean delivery (p=0.0013) and preterm delivery (p=0.0018). No significant association was observed with gestational diabetes mellitus, induction of labour, hypothyroidism, birth weight, NICU admission or postpartum complications. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with increased obstetric morbidity, particularly hypertensive disorders, caesarean section and preterm delivery. Early identification and targeted antenatal surveillance are essential for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Maternal obesity, Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Caesarean section, Preterm delivery, Perinatal outcome, Body mass index.