Comparison of Post-partum Hemorrhage in Obese versus Non-Obese Primigravida

Abstract

Background: Obesity is considered to be a global public health issue, and among different populations, obesity has varying rates of occurrence that are influenced by age and gender. This study was done to compare the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in obese versus non-obese primigravida (PG).

Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study was performed at the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, during September 2023 to March 2024. A total of 80 females (40 obese, and 40 non-obese) aged 18-35 years with singleton pregnancy of cephalic presentation, and gestational age 37-41 weeks were enrolled. Non-probability, quota sampling technique was adopted. Women with a BMI>30 kg/m² were labeled obese PG whereas BMI≤30 kg/m² were considered non-obese. The patients were followed for the next 24 hours, and the presence or absence of PPH was noted (estimated blood loss after a vaginal delivery>500 ml or following a cesarean section>1000 ml).

Results: In a total of 80 females, the mean age was 26.87±3.31 years (ranging between 18-35 years) while 66 (82.5%) females were aged between 18-25 years. The mean gestational age was calculated to be 38.88±1.42 weeks. Place of living was urban in 48 (60.0%) females. Educational status of 20 (25.0%) females was illiterate. Comparison of frequency of PPH showed significant association between obese and non-obese PG (45.0% vs. 15%, p=0.0034, relative risk = 3.00)

Conclusion: Frequency of primary postpartum hemorrhage in obese PG was significantly higher when compared to non-obese PG which highlights obesity as risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage.