Maternal Obesity: Can Raising Awareness on Related Risks Improve the Pregnancy Outcomes? A Longitudinal Study among Moroccan Pregnant Women

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of raising awareness of obesity-related complications through a brochure among pregnant women with obesity and overweight to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and improve maternal and fetal health. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from November 2021 to November 2023 at three health centers in Marrakech, Morocco. A total of 100 women with obesity and overweight were followed up throughout their 9 months of pregnancy. They were divided randomly into two groups: an intervention group (50 participants) that received advice from the brochure and a control group (50 participants). The brochure provided guidance on gestational weight gain, maternal obesity risks and six tips for healthy pregnancy. The gestational weight gain (GWG) and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated in every trimester. Results: The intervention group showed a reduction in GWG compared with the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.075). Regarding lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy, no significant differences were observed between the two groups, except for snacking and the number of meals, both of which showed a statistically significant increase in the control group during the third trimester (p < 0.05). The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were comparable in both groups, and the intervention had no major impact on these outcomes. Conclusion: This interventional study aimed to raise awareness about the risks of maternal obesity through a brochure that helped women control their weight during pregnancy. However, it did not significantly affect pregnancy outcomes or lifestyle behaviors such as dietary habits and physical activity.