Pre-pregnancy obesity and weight gain during pregnancy: impact on newborn outcomes

Overweight and obesity are global issues, especially among women of childbearing age, linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These risks vary by age, race, and ethnicity, with increasing rates among immigrant and minority women. This study compares overweight and obesity rates, pregnancy weight gain, and neonatal outcomes in Turkish and Syrian immigrant/refugee women.BACKGROUNDOverweight and obesity are global issues, especially among women of childbearing age, linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These risks vary by age, race, and ethnicity, with increasing rates among immigrant and minority women. This study compares overweight and obesity rates, pregnancy weight gain, and neonatal outcomes in Turkish and Syrian immigrant/refugee women.In this retrospective study, at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Hospital in Izmir, Turkey a total of 1353 mother-infant pairs were checked for eligibility. Of the entire cohort of 1353 mother-infant pairs, 323 pairs with complete medical records were included. The primary outcome was rate of pregestational obesity or overweight as secondary outcomes were weight gain during pregnancy and adherence to guidelines, neonatal outcomes according to different BMI categories and possible impact of maternal weight gain on neonatal morbidities in two different ethic populations.METHODSIn this retrospective study, at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Hospital in Izmir, Turkey a total of 1353 mother-infant pairs were checked for eligibility. Of the entire cohort of 1353 mother-infant pairs, 323 pairs with complete medical records were included. The primary outcome was rate of pregestational obesity or overweight as secondary outcomes were weight gain during pregnancy and adherence to guidelines, neonatal outcomes according to different BMI categories and possible impact of maternal weight gain on neonatal morbidities in two different ethic populations.Of the 323 mother-infant pairs, overweight/obese mothers had higher birth weights and cesarean-section rates. Syrian mothers were more likely to gain less weight than recommended. Neonatal outcomes, such as hospitalization and SGA/LGA birth rates, were similar across groups, with varying compliance to weight gain guidelines.RESULTSOf the 323 mother-infant pairs, overweight/obese mothers had higher birth weights and cesarean-section rates. Syrian mothers were more likely to gain less weight than recommended. Neonatal outcomes, such as hospitalization and SGA/LGA birth rates, were similar acr