The effects of maternal obesity on pregnancy outcomes in Misurata, Libya

Abstract EN

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic resulting in major morbidity and premature death.

In Libya, prevalence of adult obesity has nearly tripled over last 30 years.

Obesity can affect pregnancy by causing issues during antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods.

Aims: To estimate obesity rates of pregnant women in Misurata Public Hospital, Libya and to evaluate the relationship of overweight/obese mothers with maternal complications and perinatal macrosomia.

Methods: A cross- sectional study performed over two months period.

One- hundred and forty nine participants from the only one public hospital in Misurata city; were interviewed twice.

The first interview occurred after admission to the labor ward and the second occurred during the first 24 hours after delivery.

Women were classified according to their body mass index into two groups: first group, their body mass index was 25 or less (normal weight) and second group, their' body mass index was more than 25 (overweight/obese).

Results: Obesity/ overweight occurred in 99 cases at rate of 66.4% [obese; 41.6% & overweight; 24.8%].

Maternal obesity was associated with older age group (mean age 29 + 6.56 years), The presence of co- morbidities (including gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension and anemia) were more in obese participants compared to non- obese participants (25.1% versus 3%).

Obesity increases odd ratio (OR) of having cesarean section (C/S) (OR= 4.19, P- value 0.04, 95% Cl: 1.70- 16.15), OR increases more in cases of history of a previous caesarean section (OR= 3.02, P- value < 0.00,95% Q: 1.80- 5.74), and presence of current co- morbidities (OR= 2.36, P- value= 0.08,95% Cl: 0.91- 6.15).

Macrosomic babies (> 4kg) were delivered by obese cases only.

Conclusions: Obese pregnant women are more prone to have obesity- related co- morbidities, higher incidences of caesarean section and fetal macrosomia.