Impact of Normal and Overweight Pregnant Women upon Pregnancy Complications In Al-Nasiriya Hospitals: Comparative Study

Abstract

Abstract: Maternal obesity is a major risk for both the mother and the fetus, and it is considered an obstetrical risk factor that leads to a high incidence of complications, as well as an increased risk of many adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objectives: To assess the impact of overweight pregnant women upon pregnancy complication at Al-Nasiriya city.

Methodology: A descriptive analytic study was conducted from January11th, 2021 to march 18th, 2021 at Al-Nasiriya city Hospitals for Maternity and Children on (88) pregnant women who are attending  Al-Nasiriya city Maternity Hospitals, (44) were overweight and (44) normal weight pregnant women. A non–probability (Purposive sample) was used to select the participants of study sample, a questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data content, validity was determined through reviewing it by (16) experts in different fields. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: The result of study revealed that (34.1%) (36.4%) of study sample aged (26-30) years in normal, and overweight pregnant respectively. The study results clarifies the previous and current body mass index among normal weight pregnant women (100% & 95%) respectively, while in overweight (63.6%) overweight previously and (65.9%) obesity class (I) at current. the impact of weight upon pregnancy outcomes; the findings indicates that weight has significant impact up on outcomes related to pregnancy, at p-value= 0.007, while there is no impact has been reported among group of normal weight pregnant women.

Conclusion: The study concluded that overweight impact upon outcomes related to pregnancy, while there is no impact has been reported among group of normal weight pregnant women.

Recommendations: Increased physical activity and knowledge of healthy eating habits among pregnant women as part of primary health care center initiatives to reduce obesity in women.