Do women with obesity have more pregnancy complications?

This study looked at the effects of body weight on pregnancy outcomes in women who are overweight or obese. This study found that these patients had a higher risk of complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and having babies with birth defects.

Women who are overweight or obese before becoming pregnant are at higher risk of complications during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is one possible complication. It is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, where blood sugar levels are high.

Another possible complication is a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Left untreated, it can become eclampsia, which can be life-threatening. Whether women who are obese before becoming pregnant are at risk of complications during pregnancy is unclear.

This study looked at 3,962 women who became pregnant after in vitro fertilization. 1,033 women were overweight (BMI of 24 – 28). 2,485 women had a normal weight (BMI less than 24). 444 patients had obesity (BMI over 28). 

Women with obesity had significantly higher odds of gestational diabetes (2.92-fold), high blood pressure (3.08-fold), and pre-eclampsia (2.92-fold). These patients also had a significantly higher chance of having an early birth (1.68-fold) and a cesarean section (2.19-fold).

The babies of patients with obesity had 1.98 times higher odds of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. These babies also had a 1.63-fold higher odds of having a birth defect.

584 patients had polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This condition affects a woman's hormone levels and makes it harder to get pregnant. Babies of patients with PCOS had a 1.67 – 2.35-fold higher risk of weighing more than usual at birth. This can potentially injure the baby during delivery, or require a cesarian section.

This study found that pregnant women with obesity have a higher risk of complications, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. The authors suggest that patients with obesity lose 5% to 15% of body weight before pregnancy.

High body weight and weight loss both affect metabolism. Women who reduce their BMI by 10% may have different pregnancy outcomes compared to women who had a lower BMI to start with. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of weight loss before pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about how managing diet and exercise can help support fertility and general health.