Association of fetal outcome with maternal BMI

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Obesity is increasingly recognized as a critical public health issue, particularly in relation to perinatal outcomes influenced by maternal BMI. This study examines the association between fetal outcomes and maternal BMI through a cross-sectional observational analysis of 400 mothers selected via purposive sampling. Participants were categorized into four BMI groups: Group I (100 underweight mothers), Group II (100 normal weight mothers), Group III (100 overweight mothers), and Group IV (100 obese mothers). Data were collected on socio-demographic, clinical, obstetrical, and fetomaternal outcomes, which were then edited, managed, and analyzed. Observations were presented in tabular and graphical formats. Categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test, while quantitative variables were analyzed with unpaired Student's t-test, maintaining a 95% confidence interval and significance level of p < 0.05. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23. Findings indicated a clear association between higher maternal BMI and meconium staining, with increased NICU admissions noted among overweight mothers. This underscores the need to address maternal obesity as a significant factor affecting fetal health outcomes.