Main findings
The study population consisted of 2,449 mothers, whereof 11% were
obese. Both maternal weight and obesity were significantly associated
with GDM and wound healing disorders, obese mothers having a
significantly higher risk for GDM and post-cesarean wound healing
disorders. Preterm birth, preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, IUD, uterine
atony, PPH and rates of cesarean sections or vaginal delivery showed no
significant results. In the analysis of the neonatal outcomes, neonates
of obese mothers had a significantly higher risk for an umbilical artery
pH of 7.01 – 7.1. Furthermore, neonates of mothers with obesity class
III had a significantly higher risk for NICU admission, especially for
the firstborn. Birth weight discordance of any severity, umbilical
artery pH of ≤7.0 or 7.11 – 7.2 and a five-minute APGAR <7
was not significantly associated with maternal weight or obesity.