A Dedicated Antenatal Clinic for Pregnant Women With Morbid and Super-obesity: Patient Characteristics, Outcomes, Perceptions and Lessons Learnt From Establishing the DIAMOND Clinic

Abstract

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2022;62:635–642) Body mass index (BMI) has long been used as an indicator of overall health and risk for adverse outcomes in many situations, including pregnancy. Obesity has become more prevalent in recent years, and women with morbid obesity (BMI 40 or above) and super-obesity (BMI 50 or above) have significant risk factors to themselves and their pregnancies. To begin to address these risk factors, the DIAMOND clinic was proposed (DIAbetes, Maternal Obesity, Nutrition and Diet). This paper is a reflection on the early stages of this clinic, patient characteristics and outcomes, and an assessment of patient satisfaction and perception of care. A retrospective audit and patient satisfaction survey were conducted.