Maternal obesity and pregnancy complications: a review
Jonathan Ramachenderan1, Jennifer Bradford, Mark McLean
1Tamworth Base Hospital, Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract:
Obesity in women of reproductive age is increasing at an unprecedented rate in western societies. Maternal obesity is associated with an unequivocal increase in maternal and fetal complications of pregnancy. Excessive maternal weight gain in pregnancy also appears to be an independent risk factor, regardless of prepregnancy weight. Few guidelines exist regarding appropriate weight gain in pregnancy in obese women. We review the association of maternal obesity with pregnancy complications. We also suggest that appropriate diet and lifestyle intervention can enable women with severe prepregnancy obesity to safely achieve quite strict targets for limited weight gain in pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Obesity
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion


