Imaging and obesity: a perspective during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Radiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity is a significant global health issue, increasingly prevalent in pregnant populations.
• Maternal obesity elevates risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal growth restriction, macrosomia, and congenital anomalies.
• The rising incidence of obesity presents challenges to healthcare systems and requires specialized obstetric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of imaging specialists in identifying determinants of poor pregnancy outcomes in obese mothers.
• To discuss how maternal obesity impacts patient care, including limitations in fetal anatomic surveys and ergonomic challenges for specialists.
• To explore techniques and emerging technologies for improving imaging quality, patient safety, and risk detection in high-risk pregnancies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the impact of maternal obesity in obstetric imaging.
• Analysis of challenges in fetal anomaly detection and patient care due to obesity.
• Exploration of advanced imaging technologies and their applications in high-risk pregnancies.

Main Results:

• Maternal obesity complicates obstetric care, affecting fetal anomaly detection and specialist ergonomics.
• There is a need for improved methods to identify fetuses at risk for stillbirth, growth restriction, macrosomia, and anomalies.
• Emerging technologies like laser Doppler, advanced MRI, and ultrasound-guided procedures offer potential improvements.

Conclusions:

• Maternal obesity has profound and progressive implications for maternal and child health.
• The increasing prevalence of obesity necessitates advancements in obstetric imaging and care strategies.
• Addressing the multigenerational impact of maternal obesity on metabolic health is crucial for future public health initiatives.