Beyond the Scale: Effects of Maternal Obesity on Embryo Morphokinetics and IVF Outcomes

TL;DR

Maternal obesity affects embryo development patterns and increases cesarean delivery risk in IVF, but does not reduce pregnancy success.

Contribution

This study reveals altered embryo morphokinetics and obstetric risks in obese women undergoing IVF, independent of pregnancy rates.

Findings

Higher BMI is linked to altered estradiol levels and distinct embryo development patterns.

Obese women had significantly higher cesarean section rates but similar pregnancy outcomes.

Underweight women showed a unique biphasic embryo development pattern.

Abstract

Background: Does maternal body mass index (BMI) influence embryo morphokinetics in fresh embryo transfer cycles, and how does this relate to clinical outcomes and obstetric complications? Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 2238 fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles, categorized into four BMI groups: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Baseline characteristics, stimulation parameters, hormonal profiles, morphokinetic data, and pregnancy and delivery outcomes were analyzed. Results: Higher BMI was associated with more anovulatory infertility and greater endometrial thickness. Peak estradiol and estradiol-to-oocyte ratios declined progressively with increasing BMI, despite preserved oocyte yield and embryo quality scores. Interestingly, the underweight group exhibited a significantly distinct biphasic morphokinetics developmental pattern compared with the overweight and obese groups. Pregnancy rates, including clinical and live birth, did not differ significantly across BMI groups. However, obese women had markedly higher cesarean section rates (51.9% vs. ~25–28% in other groups) and a non-significant trend toward more gestational diabetes. Other perinatal outcomes, such as preeclampsia and preterm birth, were not significantly different. Conclusions: In fresh IVF cycles, a higher BMI does not impair pregnancy achievement but is linked to altered hormonal response and increased obstetric risk, particularly cesarean delivery. These findings highlight the importance of preconception counseling and targeted obstetric management for women with elevated BMI undergoing fresh ET.

Figures