Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the effects of maternal obesity on pregnancy and its outcomes in Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah (DSFH).
Methods: This was a retrospective study, which was conducted in DSFH, Jeddah, between January 2018 and December 2022. The study included all singleton pregnancies with cephalic presentation and a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more.
Results: Obesity during pregnancy resulted in increased chances of developing gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia, with a strong association with operative deliveries and neonatal intensive care unit admissions for the neonate. In addition, there is a minor relation between maternal obesity and neonatal low APGAR score at 5 minutes.
Conclusion: There is a need for educational programs for the community about the dangers of obesity, especially in pregnancy. There is a need for carefully planned prospective studies to explain the effects of obesity during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Key words: BMI, obese women, pregnancy, APGAR score, hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, Saudi Arabia