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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
[Maternal obesity and child outcome: A major prevention issue]
1Service de néonatologie, hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours et Inserm UMRs-938, centre de recherche scientifique Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
Insights
Maternal obesity poses risks to newborns and children, with limited success from interventions during pregnancy. Prevention should focus on preconception health and breastfeeding for better child outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
Abstract:
The prevalence of maternal obesity is steadily increasing, affecting a significant proportion of pregnancies. Beyond well-known obstetric complications, this condition exposes the newborn to immediate risks (perinatal mortality, congenital malformations, macrosomia) and the child to long-term consequences (obesity, metabolic disorders, and neurodevelopmental issues). Since lifestyle interventions during pregnancy show limited efficacy on child outcomes, prevention strategies must focus on the preconception period and the promotion of breastfeeding. This is an underestimated public health issue that requires collective action by health authorities and practitioners.
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