Obesity Before, During, and After Pregnancy: A Review and Comparison of Five National Guidelines

This study aims to compare how national guidelines approach the management of obesity in reproductive age women.

We conducted a search for national guidelines in the English language on the topic of obesity surrounding the time of a pregnancy. We identified six primary source documents and several secondary source documents from five countries. Each document was then reviewed to identify: (1) statements acknowledging increased health risks related to obesity and reproductive outcomes, (2) recommendations for the management of obesity before, during, or after pregnancy.

All guidelines cited an increased risk for miscarriage, birth defects, gestational diabetes, hypertension, fetal growth abnormalities, cesarean sections, difficulty with anesthesia, postpartum hemorrhage, and obesity in offspring. Counseling on the risks of obesity and weight loss before pregnancy were universal recommendations. There were substantial differences in the recommendations pertaining to gestational weight gain goals, nutrient and vitamin supplements, screening for gestational diabetes, and thromboprophylaxis among the guidelines.

Stronger evidence from randomized trials is needed to devise consistent recommendations for obese reproductive age women. This research may also assist clinicians in overcoming one of the many obstacles they encounter when providing care to obese women.