Obesity in pregnancy in a resource‐constrained setting: Complications and cost implications — a retrospective cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the complications and costs associated with managing obese pregnant women in a resource‐constrained environment. Methods The files were randomly sampled for women that delivered at the tertiary level public sector Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; of the retrieved files, 206 met the inclusion criteria (January–June 2020). Patients were stratified by body mass index (normal, overweight, obese). The main outcomes being the prevalence of obesity, we conducted a logistic regression to compare the incidence of associated obstetric complications, and a direct costs comparison. Results Of the 206 patients, 117 (57%) were obese and at higher risk for fetal and maternal adverse outcomes. The obese/overweight group had higher incidence of pre‐pregnancy complications; history of macrosomia and obstetric complications; and increased risk of failed induction, fetal anomalies, unscheduled prenatal care visits, and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonates born to obese/overweight women were at increased need for neonatal unit admission. The mean cost estimates were 49575.3 South African Rand (ZAR) for normal weight, 49310.5 ZAR for overweight, and 54444.2 ZAR for obese women. Conclusion The high levels of obesity were associated with feto‐maternal complications; the association increased healthcare use, resulting in a substantial increase in direct cost to the healthcare system.