Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity in pregnancy increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes to both mothers and neonates. The effect of obesity on mother and neonates has short- and long-term sequelae. In Saudi Arabia, more than 68% of pregnant women are overweight or obese.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness of pregnant women about the effect of obesity on mothers and neonates during and after pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used in this study. A sample of 416 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Najran completed the questionnaire consisting of demographic, medical, gestational, and variables on awareness of risk of obesity on mothers and neonates.

Results: Overall 68.5% (n = 285) of participants had a poor awareness regarding the effect of obesity during pregnancy. The highest level of awareness (63%) was reported in general awareness regarding obesity, whereas the lowest level of awareness (30.5%) was reported about neonatal complications. More than 60% thought that obesity would increase risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and cardiovascular disease. Awareness regarding neonatal complications was poor, and more than 50% did not know that obesity increases neural tube defect, congenital anomaly, stillbirth, preterm labor, and shoulder dystocia.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the awareness of pregnant women to the adverse effect of obesity in mothers and neonates is unsatisfactory. We found a significant correlation between education level and awareness level of participants. A greater effort is warranted from all health organizations to raise awareness and education for all women of child-bearing age regarding the risk of adverse outcome associated with obesity in pregnancy.

Key words: Obesity in Pregnancy; Maternal Complications; Neonatal Complications; Preconception Counseling; Obesity Awareness