[Obstetrical complications of maternal overweight]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Context:

• Obesity is a growing global health concern.
• Overweight and obesity during pregnancy pose significant risks.
• Associated with increased maternal and perinatal complications.

Purpose:

• To review the impact of maternal obesity on pregnancy outcomes.
• To highlight complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and macrosomia.
• To discuss management strategies for successful obstetrical outcomes.

Summary:

• Obese pregnancies have higher rates of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and toxemia.
• Increased incidence of macrosomia leads to more frequent cesarean deliveries.
• Hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes worsens maternofoetal prognosis.
• Intrauterine growth retardation is not more common in obese pregnancies.
• Multidisciplinary antenatal management is key for successful outcomes.

Impact:

• Informs clinical practice for managing obese pregnant individuals.
• Highlights the need for specialized antenatal care programs.
• Contributes to reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.