[Pregnancy in obese patients: which risks is it necessary to fear?].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the deleterious effects of maternal obesity on obstetrical complications and neonatal outcomes.


METHODS
Historical cohort study including all patients delivered in our maternity between 1st January 2002 and 31st December 2004. Intra uterine death and fetal loss before 22 weeks were excluded. Women were categorized by the Body Mass Index: less than 25, between 25 and 30, and more than 30. Maternal data, obstetrical complications, labor and its complications, and neonatal outcomes were studied.


RESULTS
During these 3 years, 23.5% (1336/5686) of patients were overweight and 7.5% (425/5686) were obese. Obstetrical pathologies (gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preeclampsia and fetal macrosomia) and labour induction were more significantly frequent in obese patients (P < 0.01). We noted twice more caesarean sections during labour in obese patients. The rate of artificial placental delivery was significantly higher in obese patients (P < 0.01). Obese patients with prior caesarean sections had a rate of vaginal delivery significantly lower than non obese patients with prior C-sections (23.6 vs 43.8%; P < 0.01). Mean children birth weight was significantly higher in obese patients (3305 vs 3181 g; P < 0.01) with no impact on Apgar score.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirms that obesity is responsible for major obstetrical complications, for what should no doubt be considered as high risk pregnancies. Our practices must take these complications into account by ensuring an adapted and early management in order to improve maternal and neonatal issues.
Ducarme
G
G
Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, APHP, CHU Jean-Verdier, avenue du 14-Juillet, 93143 Bondy cedex, France. gducarme@gmail.com
Rodrigues
A
A
Aissaoui
F
F
Davitian
C
C
Pharisien
I
I
Uzan
M
M
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002585:Cesarean Section; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012307:Risk Factors