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Maternal obesity: consequences for children, challenges for clinicians and carers

W McGuire1, L Dyson, M Renfrew

  • 1Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK. william.mcguire@hyms.ac.uk

Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|October 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity is linked to serious risks for newborns, including birth defects and lifelong health issues. Weight management during pregnancy may improve outcomes, but more research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Maternal obesity affects nearly 20% of pregnancies in industrialized nations.
  • Obesity in pregnant women poses significant risks to fetal development and infant health.
  • Adverse effects can extend throughout the child's life due to prenatal and neonatal programming.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epidemiological evidence on maternal obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • To assess the impact of maternal weight management interventions on fetal and neonatal health.
  • To identify research gaps regarding maternal obesity and infant well-being.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological studies.
  • Synthesis of evidence on congenital defects and fetal macrosomia.
  • Analysis of interventions for maternal weight management.

Main Results:

  • Maternal obesity is associated with neural tube and cardiac defects.
  • Fetal macrosomia, a risk from maternal obesity, leads to birth injuries and metabolic issues.
  • Prenatal and neonatal programming effects, worsened by reduced breastfeeding, may cause long-term health problems.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal obesity presents substantial risks to fetal and neonatal health.
  • Weight management interventions show potential benefits but require further investigation.
  • More research is crucial to address uncertainties surrounding maternal obesity's long-term impact.

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