# Impact of Maternal Overweight and Obesity on Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cesarean Delivery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that maternal overweight and obesity are common among women who have cesarean deliveries and are linked to higher risks of complications like preeclampsia.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and impact of maternal obesity on pregnancy outcomes in a specific regional population.

## Key findings

- 46.36% of women in the study had obesity, and 37.85% were overweight at the end of pregnancy.
- Maternal obesity, especially severe obesity, was strongly correlated with preeclampsia.
- Hypertensive complications were observed in 15.99% of the studied women.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Maternal overweight and obesity are critical factors increasing the risk of various pregnancy complications. Maternal obesity can lead to fetal macrosomia and a heightened risk of intrauterine death, with long-term implications for the child’s health. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of obesity and its impact on pregnancy outcomes in women who delivered by cesarean section at the University Hospital “St. George”, Plovdiv. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. The documentary method was used for gathering data. Records were randomly selected. The statistical methods used included mean values, confidence intervals (of mean), frequency, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality of distribution. Data comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney test. Mean values of numerical variables were compared using the independent samples t-test. Results: In total, 46.36% of women in this study were affected by obesity to varying degrees, and the proportion of women who were overweight at the end of their pregnancy was 37.85%. In the studied cohort, 15.99% of women were affected by hypertensive complications. This significant prevalence of obesity highlights concerns regarding body weight among women of reproductive age. This study emphasized a strong correlation between maternal obesity, particularly severe obesity, and the occurrence of preeclampsia. Conclusions: In this study among women who delivered by cesarean section, a significant proportion of them were affected by overweight and obesity. Data for our country are insufficient, and a more in-depth study of this problem is needed. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of maternal obesity on the health of the mother and the newborn.