Pregnancy and obesity: practical implications

Abstract

Obesity is presently the most prevalent health threat in the western world, and its influence on general health is rapidly increasing. Obesity has also developed as a major and frequent risk factor for pregnancy complications. Complications often encountered in obese pregnant women are hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean section, and postpartum and postoperative infections. The incidence of pulmonary embolism and primary postpartum haemorrhage is most likely also increased. Anaesthetic complications are more frequent. Neonatal consequences of obesity include an increased rate of congenital anomalies, stillbirth, and macrosomia. This article focuses on practical implications of obesity in pregnancy and childbirth for the caregiver.