Association of Maternal Obesity and Fetal Gender With Preeclampsia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of maternal obesity and fetal gender in the pathoge-nesis of preeclampsia and to determine the fetal gender ratio and difference of body mass index in normal and preeclamptic group. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study design, in one year period, one of every 10 normal pregnancies (n=59) and all preeclamptic pregnancies were enrolled into the study (n=42). Clinical characteristics recorded included maternal age, body mass index, gravidity, parity, estimated gestational age, mode of delivery, neonatal birth weight, and fetal gender. RESULT(s): There were no statistically significant differences in maternal age, gravidity and parity between the groups. Body mass index was significantly higher in preeclamptic group (p=0.001) but no difference was found in fetal gender between the groups. CONCLUSION(s): Maternal obesity has a probable role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia but fetal gender seems to play no role.