A recent study conducted at a large women’s specialty hospital in Louisiana has uncovered significant racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes among individuals with obesity. The research, spanning from 2018 to 2022, sheds light on how the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated these differences between Black and White pregnant people.
The study, which analyzed 7,431 deliveries, found that Black pregnant individuals, who comprised 54% of the sample, faced higher health risks even before pregnancy. They showed higher rates of preexisting type 2 diabetes and chronic hypertension compared to their White counterparts. However, Black individuals had lower rates of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
A notable finding was the difference in gestational weight gain (GWG) patterns. Black pregnant people consistently started their pregnancies at higher weights but gained less weight during gestation compared to White individuals. This pattern persisted across early-, peak-, and late-pandemic periods, although the differences in GWG became less significant during the peak- and late-pandemic phases.
The research highlights the complex interplay between race, obesity, and pregnancy outcomes. It suggests that Black individuals with obesity enter pregnancy with more preexisting health conditions, potentially placing them at higher risk for complications.
These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and personalized care strategies for pregnant individuals with obesity, particularly those from minority communities. The study also emphasizes the importance of addressing racial health disparities in prenatal and maternal care, especially in the context of global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
See: “Racial disparities in gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes among Black and White pregnant people with obesity” (December 25, 2024)
