The Difference of Weight Gain Tendencies During Pregnancy According to Pregestational Body Mass Indices of the Mothers in Two Different Ethnic Populations- Does it Make Difference Regarding Neonatal Outcomes?

Background: Excess weight and obesity are a global pandemic, particularly among women of childbearing age. Pre-pregnancy obesity is linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, macrosomia, stillbirth, and neonatal death. These risks vary by maternal age, race, and ethnicity, with rising rates among immigrant and minority women. This study investigates overweight and obesity rates in pregnant women, weight gain during pregnancy, and adherence to guidelines and possible neonatal outcomes, comparing Turkish and Syrian immigrant women.

Methods: This retrospective single-center study was conducted at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Teaching and Research Hospital in Izmir, Turkey, over one year. Data collected included demographic information, pregnancy complications, delivery modes, maternal and neonatal anthropometric measurements, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study included Turkish and Syrian women with complete medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, with significance set at p < 0.05.