DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Obesity and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) are independently associated with adverse fetomaternal outcomes. When occurring together, they may significantly increase maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Timely identification of complications can guide preventive strategies. Objective: To evaluate the fetomaternal outcomes in obese pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension presenting at Liaqat Memorial Hospital, Kohat, Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive observational study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liaqat Memorial Hospital, Kohat. Duration of Study: 23-08-2024 to 23-02-2025. Methods: A total of 127 obese pregnant women (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) aged 15–45 years with singleton pregnancies and diagnosed with PIH were enrolled. Fetomaternal outcomes assessed over a 42-day follow-up included eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, fetal hypoxia, perinatal death, and maternal mortality. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.52 ± 8.89 years. Maternal complications observed were eclampsia in 14.2% of cases, HELLP syndrome in 3.9%, and placental abruption in 7.1%. Fetal complications included fetal growth restriction in 16.5%, preterm birth in 15.7%, fetal hypoxia in 6.3%, and perinatal death in 3.9% of cases. Maternal mortality was recorded in 4.7% of the participants. Conclusion: Among fetal outcomes, fetal growth restriction and preterm birth were the most common complications. In maternal outcomes, eclampsia and placental abruption were the most frequently observed. These findings highlight the need for vigilant monitoring and multidisciplinary management of obese pregnant women with PIH to reduce adverse outcomes.