Maternal obesity: pregnancy complications, gestational weight gain and nutrition

Abstract

SummaryThe obesity epidemic affects all, including women of reproductive age. One in five women attending prenatal care in the UK is obese. Prepregnancy obesity is associated with serious short-and long-term complications for mother and child. Furthermore, gestational weight gain (GWG) of obese pregnant women generally exceeds the Institute of Medicine recommended ranges. This observation can partially be explained by an unbalanced diet and lack of daily physical activity. Despite this, few lifestyle intervention trials in obese pregnant women are available. Two out of seven intervention trials focusing on GWG, nutrition and physical activity, reached a significant decrease in GWG. Developing guidelines to promote appropriated weight gain and healthy lifestyle in overweight and obese pregnant women remains a challenge. This review aims to summarize the complications associated with maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity and to discuss possible strategies to improve the lifestyle habits of pregnant women.

Maternal obesity: the interplay between inflammation, mother and fetus

“…4,[7][8][9][10][11] In addition, maternal obesity has been related to the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity in children, thus perpetuating this dangerous cycle. 4,5,8,12 With increased infertility, many obese women have looked to assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). 5 IVF has been shown to be less successful in obese women and is associated with an increased number of premature births.…”

“…2,[4][5][6] Maternal obesity is associated with several fetal and neonatal complications, most significantly fetal death and premature birth. 4,[7][8][9][10][11] In addition, maternal obesity has been related to the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity in children, thus perpetuating this dangerous cycle. 4,5,8,12 With increased infertility, many obese women have looked to assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).…”

“…[1][2][3] The risks associated with obesity are complex in women of reproductive age. 4 More than half of women aged 18 to 42 in the United States are classified as overweight or preobese (BMI 25 to <30 kg m À2 ), and about one-third are obese. 2,5 The WHO classifies weight in adults according to BMI, with obesity categorized as 30 to <35, 35 to <40 and >40 for classes I, II and III, respectively (Table 1).…”

DOHaD

“…Une proportion grandissante de femmes commencent ainsi leur grossesse en état de surcharge pondérale [16]. Or, l'obésité entraîne des complications de la grossesse susceptibles de retentir sur la croissance foetale et la santé à long terme de l'enfant [17]. Les femmes obèses ont ainsi plus de risque de souffrir de diabète gestationnel, d'hypertension, de prééclampsie ou de thrombose.…”

Tackling maternal obesity: Building an evidence base to reflect the complexity of lifestyle behaviour change

“…Excess GWG increases a woman's risk of pregnancy and postnatal complications, including GDM and caesarean birth (Oken et al, 2009, Rasmussen and Yaktine, 2009, Ramachenderan et al, 2008, McGuire et al, 2010, Guelinckx et al, 2008, Guelinckx et al, 2010 and adversely impacts on her infant's health (Einerson et al, 2011, Siega-Riz et al, 2009. Furthermore, postpartum weight retention is associated with subsequent maternal overweight and obesity (Rooney et al, 2005, Shrewsbury et al, 2009) cardiovascular disease (Rooney et al, 2005, Willett et al, 1995 and related morbidity.…”