FREQUENCY OF PRETERM BIRTH IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE PREGNANT WOMEN
- Samar Maqsood, 2Dr Mehreen Abbas, 3Dr Mariam Mahmood, 4Dr. Hania Batool, 5Dr. Ramlah Ghazanfar, 6Dr. Amina Akbar
- Resident Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PAF Hospital Islamabad
- Resident Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PAF Hospital Islamabad
- Consultant Gynaecologist, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PAF Hospital Islamabad
- Resident Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PAF Hospital Islamabad
- Consultant Gynaecologist, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PAF Hospital Islamabad
- Consultant Gynaecologist, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PAF Hospital Islamabad
Received: Secember 25, 2025 Accepted: January 02, 2026 Published: January 20, 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among the various maternal risk factors, obesity has emerged as a significant contributor. Obese pregnant women may experience altered metabolic and inflammatory responses, which potentially increase the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of preterm birth in obese and non-obese pregnant women and compare the outcomes between the two groups. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, PAF Hospital, Islamabad, over a period of six months following the approval of the synopsis, from October 2024 to March 2025. A total of 181 pregnant women were included in the study population using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Participants were categorized into obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) and non-obese (BMI <30 kg/m²) groups. The frequency of preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, was recorded and compared between the groups. Results: Among the 181 participants, 85 women were categorized as obese, and 96 were non-obese. The frequency of preterm birth was significantly higher in the obese group, with 27 31.8%)cases, compared to 11 (11.5%) cases in the non-obese group. Statistical analysis revealed a strong association between maternal obesity and increased risk of preterm birth (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that maternal obesity was associated with a higher frequency of preterm birth compared to non-obese pregnant women. These findings underscore the importance of early identification and management of obesity in pregnancy to reduce the risk of preterm delivery and its associated complications. Keywords: Preterm birth, Obesity, Pregnancy, Maternal health, Gestational outcomes, BMI, Obstetric complications.