Abstract: Introduction: Obesity is an obstetric problem and this has been documented over time. Obesity in the obstetric population is a problem of public health concern that is associated with complications that can arise in the antepartun, intrapartum and postpartum periods of a woman`s obstetric carrier. This study examines the effect of increasing body mass index on the outcome of pregnancy among primigravid women delivering singleton babies in our centre.
Methods: This was a case controlled study based on primigravid women who delivered singleton babies at the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba between September 2012 and August 2018 a six year period. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the women who were grouped into five based on their body mass index (BMI). These groups are Underweight (BMI <19.9kg/M2), Normal (BMI 20 – 24.9KG/m2), Overweight (BMI 25 – 29.9 Kg/m2), Obese (BMI 30 -34.9) and morbid obesity (BMI >35 Kg/M2).
Results: Women in the normal BMI group were compared with women on both sides of the divide with regards to the obstetrics outcomes of their pregnancies and it was found that there is a significant association between increasing body mass index as seen in the obese and preeclampsia, emergency caesarean section, induced labour, post partum haemorrhage and preterm delivery.
Conclusion: Increasing Body mass index is associated with increased incidence of Preeclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, induction and medicalization of labour, preterm delivery and caesarean delivery.
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