Prevalence and Adverse Effects of Maternal Obesity among Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics at a Metropolitan Hospital in Southern Ghana

Abstract

Background: Maternal obesity and its associated health complications increase; however, area-specific data is lacking in Ghana. We attempted to assess the prevalence and adverse effects of maternal obesity in Ghana. Methods: Study population were women booking to, and gave birth to infants in Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Ghana, during February 2018 to January 2019 (n = 510). Body mass index (BMI) during the first trimester was identified and analyzed in relation with outcomes/complications. Results: Incidence of maternal obesity (overweight/obese, BMI ≥ 25) was 37.3%. Of them, 34.4% had maternal complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, foetal distress, and cephalo-pelvic disproportion (in this order). The caesarian rate was 20.5%. Among the non obese women only 20% had maternal complications and the caesarian section rate was 16.2%. Obesity was positively correlated with maternal age and parity but was not with low socio-economic status. Obese women were more likely to have obstetric complications. Conclusions: Obese women were more likely to suffer obstetric complications and to have cesarean. Although present data was a confirmation of the existing data in other parts of the world, we believe that these data may be useful in making area-specific health policy.