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Maternal obesity and pregnancy outcomes
Lony C Castro1, Robert L Avina
1Department of OB/GYN, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, California 91766, USA. lcastro@westernu.edu
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|November 21, 2002
Summary
Maternal obesity significantly increases risks for pregnant individuals, including hypertensive diseases, diabetes, and cesarean delivery. It also elevates risks for newborns, potentially leading to childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Rising global obesity rates present a significant public health challenge.
- Obesity is a primary risk factor for numerous chronic diseases.
- Maternal obesity poses unique risks during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pregnancy complications linked to maternal obesity.
- To provide guidance for healthcare providers managing obese pregnant patients.
- To discuss societal changes to combat the obesity epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on maternal obesity and pregnancy outcomes.
- Synthesis of current evidence on associated complications.
- Development of clinical recommendations and public health strategies.
Main Results:
- Maternal obesity is associated with increased rates of hypertensive disorders (chronic hypertension, pre-eclampsia) and diabetes (pregestational, gestational).
- Higher incidence of cesarean delivery, infections, venous thromboembolic disease, and respiratory complications observed.
- Potential independent risk factor for neural tube defects, fetal mortality, and preterm delivery; increased risk of large-for-gestational-age/macrosomic neonates with subsequent childhood obesity risk.
Conclusions:
- Clinical guidelines for managing obese pregnant women are presented.
- Recommendations for counseling and obstetric care are provided.
- Discussion of necessary cultural and political shifts to address the obesity epidemic.