THE IMPACT OF MATERNAL OBESITY ON FETAL GROWTH AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Maternal obesity is a significant global health concern with known implications for fetal
growth and neonatal well-being. Objectives: This prospective observational study investigated the specific
effects of maternal obesity on fetal macrosomia and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Methods: A cohort of 500 pregnant women was categorized into obese (n=250) and non-obese (n=250)
groups based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Maternal demographic data, estimated fetal
weight, and neonatal outcomes were closely monitored and statistically analyzed to compare the two
groups. Results: The obese group exhibited a significantly higher pre-pregnancy BMI compared to the
non-obese group (p < 0.001), while maternal age, ethnicity, and parity did not significantly differ between
the groups. Maternal obesity was associated with a higher incidence of fetal macrosomia (p < 0.001),
affecting 35% of births in the obese group compared to 8% in the non-obese group. Estimated fetal weight
consistently remained higher in the obese group throughout gestation (p < 0.001).Neonates born to obese
mothers had an increased risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.02), affecting 18% in the
obese group compared to 8% in the non-obese group. These neonates also exhibited lower Apgar scores at
1 minute (p = 0.03), with mean scores of 7.4 and 8.2 in the obese and non-obese groups, respectively.
Conclusion: maternal obesity significantly increases the risks of fetal macrosomia and neonatal respiratory
distress syndrome. Early interventions addressing maternal weight management and providing appropriate
perinatal care for obese mothers are crucial to improve fetal growth and neonatal health outcomes.