Maternal Obesity: Do Patients Understand the Risks?

Objective: To evaluate patient knowledge of the risks of maternal obesity and compare knowledge between non-obese and obese women. Study Design: A face-to-face survey was administered to 105 women at their first prenatal visit. The survey assessed their knowledge of obesity-related risks during pregnancy, weight history and goals, and health behaviors. Descriptive statistics described the entire sample. Student’s t and Chi-square tests compared knowledge between non-obese (BMI<30kg/m2) and obese (BMI≥30kg/m2) gravidas. Results: There were 56(54%) non-obese and 47(46%) obese participants. There were no significant differences between the weight groups with respect to age, race, insurance, education, tobacco use, and primigravity. Overall, 49% participants knew that obesity increases risk in pregnancy. The knowledge of specific risks was similar in the non-obese (60% correct) and obese (64% correct) groups, p=0.76. Obese patients were more aware of the risk for diabetes, 68% vs. 96%, p<0.001. Obese gravidas expressed more interest in weight loss prior to another pregnancy (61% vs. 81%, p=0.03); though the desired BMI's (22.1±2.3 vs. 26.2±3.0 kg/m2, p<0.001) were different for nonobese and obese women, respectively. Of all participants, 9% discussed the risks of maternal obesity with a provider prior to study participation and 75% wanted to participate in a study on weight loss prior to pregnancy to determine whether it leads to healthier pregnancies. 3 Kominiarek Obesity Survey Conclusions: Regardless of BMI category, patients require more knowledge about the risks of obesity in pregnancy, requested additional information, and were motivated to lose weight before future pregnancies. Because obese women underestimated their optimal weight loss goals, it is necessary to target this group for further education.