Maternal obesity

The etiology of maternal obesity is complex and multifactorial. While this study described a smaller overall increase in body mass index compared with Kim's data, it described the impact to the community as a whole. Additionally, after assessing trends among potential confounders including maternal age, ethnicity, chronic hypertension, and renal disease, the study described a parallel rise in pre-eclampsia among nulliparous women from 5% to 8% in the same interval in which obesity increased. Additionally, there are reports in the literature of complications during pregnancy after bariatric surgery including anastomotic leaks, internal hernias, intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding and erosion, band migration, and maternal death. Interesting work reveals an association between obesity and breast-feeding failures even after controlling for socioeconomic status. The resultant increase in fetal fat deposition leads to accelerated birth weights, neonatal complications, and childhood obesity. Women who are contemplating pregnancy should be encouraged to take folic acid as obesity is a risk factor for inadequate folic acid supplementation.