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Obesity and pregnancy

Lanniece F Hall1, A George Neubert

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, 6th and Spruce Avenues, West Reading, PA 19611, USA. halll@readinghospital.org

Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
|March 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Obesity in pregnancy increases risks for both mothers and infants. Early screening and management by healthcare providers can mitigate serious complications like gestational diabetes and cesarean delivery.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Global obesity rates are rising, posing significant health risks.
  • Obesity is a major contributor to preventable morbidity and mortality.
  • Obstetrician/gynecologists play a key role in managing maternal health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum complications of obesity in pregnancy.
  • To offer strategies for optimizing care for obese pregnant individuals.
  • To improve health outcomes for women and their infants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pregnancy complications associated with obesity.
  • Analysis of risks including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and cesarean delivery.
  • Discussion of limitations of diagnostic tools like ultrasonography in obese gravidas.

Main Results:

  • Obesity is linked to increased risks of gestational diabetes and hypertension.
  • Obese gravidas face higher rates of cesarean delivery and postoperative wound infections.
  • Ultrasonography may have limitations in assessing fetal development in obese pregnancies.

Conclusions:

  • Screening for obesity and related complications is crucial for improving maternal and infant outcomes.
  • Proactive management strategies are needed to address the challenges posed by obesity in pregnancy.
  • Further research may be needed to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Abstract

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