Main findings
The study population consisted of 2,449 mothers, whereof 11% were obese. Both maternal weight and obesity were significantly associated with GDM and wound healing disorders, obese mothers having a significantly higher risk for GDM and post-cesarean wound healing disorders. Preterm birth, preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, IUD, uterine atony, PPH and rates of cesarean sections or vaginal delivery showed no significant results. In the analysis of the neonatal outcomes, neonates of obese mothers had a significantly higher risk for an umbilical artery pH of 7.01 – 7.1. Furthermore, neonates of mothers with obesity class III had a significantly higher risk for NICU admission, especially for the firstborn. Birth weight discordance of any severity, umbilical artery pH of ≤7.0 or 7.11 – 7.2 and a five-minute APGAR <7 was not significantly associated with maternal weight or obesity.