Trends in obesity and impact on obstetric outcomes in a regional hospital in Victoria.

Introduction: Australia has one of the highest rates of overweight and obesity in the developed world. Obesity in pregnancy presents a major public health issue for mothers and their babies. Awareness of its impact is of particular importance in non-urban populations where disparities in health outcomes already exist. Method(s): We performed a seven-year trend analysis of body mass index (BMI) in a regional population of pregnant women in Victoria, Australia. Maternal and neonatal information were retrospectively collected and the prevalence of comorbidities and obstetric complications were compared. Result(s): Of the 6 661 women who birthed between January 2010 to December 2016, 56.8% were overweight (BMI 25-30) or obese (BMI > 30). Over time there was a significant trend in the number of women with a BMI > 35, and a decreased in those with norma weight. Those who were overweight or obese were more likely to present with pre-existing comorbidities and develop pregnancy-related complications. Caesarean section rates increased incrementally with increasing BMI category, and vaginal birth rates decreased. Discussion(s): Given the far-reaching impact of maternal obesity and unique opportunity for preventative health interventions in pregnancy, our research highlights the importance of ensuring regional health services are well resourced to deliver care tailored to the population they are serving to ensure sustainable and effective maternity health services.