G4. Does maternal obesity have an adverse effect on haemodynamics

AbstractBackground: The increase in the prevalence of and the adverse risks to both mother and foetus associated with maternal obesity is a global concern. The adverse cardiovascular risk associated with obesity is well-known, however, there is a paucity of data assessing central haemodynamics in class 3 (morbid) obesity (BMI440 kg/m2) during pregnancy.Objective: To compare the haemodynamic profile in women with class 3 maternal obesity against those with a normal BMI (20–30 kg/m2), using ultrasound-based, non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring.Methods: A prospective, case-control study of 23 women with class 3 maternal obesity and 327 controls, matched for maternal and gestational age. Women who developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) were not included. Maternal haemodynamics were investigated using USCOM 1A®.Results: Women with class 3 obesity had raised mean arterial pressure (91 versus 85 mmHg, p < 0.01) and increased heart rate (92 versus 83 bpm, p < 0.05) compared to controls. We found no ...