Early maternal, foetal and neonatal complications associated with maternal obesity: the case of two hospitals in the city of Yaoundé

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic disorders during pregnancy. Our aim was to assess the early maternal, fetal and neonatal complications associated with obesity during pregnancy.

Methodology: A case-control study with prospective data collection was carried out. It took place over six months in two hospitals in the city of Yaoundé. Obese women (cases) and normal-weight women (controls) were included in the study. The variables studied
were sociodemographic data and complications (maternal, fetal and neonatal). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0.

Results: A total of 152 cases (obese) and 198 controls (non-obese) were recruited. The frequency of obesity during pregnancy was 21.3%. The mean age of the obese women was 30.74 ± 5.91 years, most of whom were from the western region (n=155/350, 44.3%). The main maternal complications were gestational arterial hypertension (p=0.009), perineal tear (p=0.030) and caesarean section (p=0.010). Macrosomia was the most common fetal complication, with a p-value of less than 0.001. For neonatal complications, neonatal infection and neonatal death were significantly associated with p-values of 0.044 and 0.030 respectively.

Conclusion: There was a significant association between maternal obesity and neonatal, fetal and maternal complications.