Obesity and pregnancy

SummaryObesity is a modern epidemic affecting all aspects of healthcare. Childbirth and anaesthesia are rendered more hazardous for the obese parturient. The fetus is at increased risk of congenital abnormality, complications of pregnancy, and harm during childbirth. The obstetric anaesthetist, obstetrician, and midwife share the increased stress of managing these risks. There are thus no winners created by obesity and pregnancy. This article reviews the problems caused by obesity in pregnancy and discusses the important aspects of anaesthetic management for this increasingly common clinical scenario.