OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED TO EXCESSIVE WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the obstetric complications that follow excessive weight gain during pregnancy in OBGYN emergency room at Hospital Central of Maracay, Venezuela, during July 2016 to July 2017. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional study that included 124 patients, 50 exposed to excessive gestational weight gain, and 74 controls where we looked for obstetric complications such as hypertensive disorders, metabolic diseases and fetal complications as growth retardation, macrosomia, oligo – polyhydramnios. Data was analyzed in contingency tables to obtain Odds Ratios. ANOVA test performed to obtain statistical significance p < 0.05 comparing both groups, using free statistical software EPI INFO v7. Results: Gestational hypertension OR 7.48 (95% IC 2,26-26,71) and its comorbidities: fetal growth restriction OR: 2,86 (95% IC:1,16-7,07) and oligohydramnios OR: 2,79 (95% IC:1,23-2,34) were associated to higher risk. Other complications were observed without further statistical significance. Conclusions: Excessive weight gain can be considered a risk factor for obstetric complications, mainly associated with vascular problems such as hypertension. We recommend further investigations in this area.