The impact of obesity on obstetric outcomes

The incidence of obesity (body mass index (BMI)>30 in the first trimester) is increasing in the UK pregnant population and with it the risks such patients present in their obstetric care. Clinical assessment of fetal growth can be difficult and associated problems of increased risks of pregnancy complications are found: diabetes, hypertension, venous thromboembolism. Caesarean section rates are increased as are complications during and following operative procedures. Greater efforts need to be made to encourage weight loss to within normal BMI ranges to endeavour to reduce these risks in subsequent pregnancies in all obese pregnant women.