Maternal Obesity: An Important Contributor to Congenital Anomalies, Infant and Child Mortality with Negative Economic Impact

Abstract

Obesity is a leading risk factor for global death and its incidence and prevalence, including maternal obesity is increasing globally. Obesity is linked to certain congenital anomalies viz. neural tube defects (NTD), congenital heart disease (CHD) and orofacial anomalies. Congenital anomalies in general are a leading cause of infant and child mortality but they are on decline in many countries. However maternal obesity on the other hand is on the rise. As a result, the share of maternal obesity contributing to congenital anomalies is likely to increase. Maternal obesity can therefore significantly contribute to infant/child mortality and can have seriously negative economic, social and psychological impact.