[Neonatal results of prgenancies in overweight and obese mothers at the University of Würzburg Gynaecology Clinic--a comparison of the years 1980 and 2005].

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in pregnant women has increased during the last decades (in our examination period from 10.9 to 29.8 %). Maternal obesity is a risk factor for pregnancy, delivery and the newborn. Does the neonatal outcome of pregnancies with maternal overweight and obesity in 2005 differ from that in 1980?

METHODS

All patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg / m (2) who delivered in 1980 (n = 130) and in 2005 (n = 392) at the University Hospital Würzburg were evaluated retrospectively. The neonatal result of singletons born at term was studied (1980: n = 125; 2005: n = 315).

RESULTS

The rates of macrosomia > 4500 g (5.6 vs. 1.3 %) and shoulder dystocia (4.8 vs. 0.3 %) declined significantly. No significant differences were found regarding the mean newborn weight (3560 vs. 3508 g), weight percentile (55.5 vs. 56.4 %), length (51 cm), head size (35 cm), fetal distress (3.2 vs. 3.8 %), respiratory insufficiency (3.2 vs. 2.2 %), 5-min-Apgar (9.77 vs. 9.69) and arterial umbilical cord pH (7.27 vs. 7.26). Birth weight was not associated with the degree of obesity in 2005 compared to 1980.

CONCLUSION

Despite the increasing prevalence and severity of obesity in pregnant women most parameters of neonatal outcome did not change. The observed relative rate of macrosomia and shoulder dystocia declined, but the case number of these complications is still relevant. Obviously obstetricians have responded appropriately to the changing risk profile.