The Influence of Maternal Obesity on Pregnancy Complications and Neonatal Outcomes in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Women

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the influence of obesity on pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes in diabetic and nondiabetic women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case control study was conducted on 1193 pregnant women and their neonates at a tertiary level maternity hospital between March 2007 and 2011. The pregnant women were classified into 2 groups according to the presence of diabetes mellitus. Six hundred and seven patients with gestational diabetes or pregestational diabetes formed the diabetic group (study group) and 586 patients were in the nondiabetic group (control group). Demographic characteristics, body mass index, gestational weight gain, obstetric history, smoking status, type of delivery, gestational ages, pregnancy complications, neonatal outcomes were recorded for each patient. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of obesity and diabetes on the pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age and pre-pregnancy body mass indices of women with diabetes mellitus were significantly higher than the control groupʼs (p < 0.001). Gestational weight gain and number of smokers were similar among the groups. Multiparity and obesity were more prevalent in the diabetic group compared to controls (both p < 0.001). Although gestational age at birth was earlier in the diabetic group, birth weights were higher in this group than in the control group (both p < 0.001). Cesarean delivery rates, the incidence of macrosomia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission rates were significantly higher in the diabetes group both with normal and increased body mass index (all p < 0.001). However, adverse pregnancy outcomes were comparable between the groups (p = 0.279). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that obesity is a significant risk factor for pregnancy complications (OR = 1.772 [95% CI, 1.283 – 2.449], p = 0.001) but not for adverse neonatal outcomes (OR = 1.068 [95% CI, 0.683 – 1.669], p = 0.773). CONCLUSION: While obesity increases risk of developing a pregnancy complication, diabetes worsens neonatal outcomes.