The Effects Of Being Obese During Pregnancy?

This literature review will look into obesity in pregnancy and the influences its has on maternity care. The review will explore specifically health promotion including weight, dietary and exercise advice given to obese women, and will explore the challenges that come with giving weight related advice for the midwife and the women involved.

Obesity in pregnant women is a global concern. In The United States, obesity is a critical public health issue—one in every three women is obese (Masho, et al). This issue becomes crucial in the context that 36% of pregnant women in the United States are obese (Shub, et al). Studies show a strong association between maternal obesity and health risks during pregnancy and labor. In addition, a disconnect in perception and awareness exists such that most obese pregnant women who gain weight during pregnancy underestimate their Body Mass Index (BMI); and also have poor knowledge about the risk associated with obesity.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011-2012, more than 34% of all adults are obese in that their BMI exceeds 24 (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014). Interestingly, though this prevalence is high, it seems as though there has not been an increase since the same study done from 2003-2004. This seems to imply that we have plateaued at the peak that we have been rising towards since 1976 (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014). To take this further, during the time of increasing incidences, in a study done from 1990-2004, it was seen that “the incidence of maternal obesity at the start of pregnancy [was] increasing and accelerating” which corresponds with the previous study’s findings (Heslehurst, et al.,

Multiple antenatal, antepartum, and postpartum challenges are incurred with a BMI of > 45. Miscarriage is at an increased risk among women with elevated BMI as well as prevalence of GDM and preexisting diabetes. First trimester screening for previously unrecognized diabetes with an early glucose screening is recommended. Obese women have an increased risk for hypertensive disorders as well as preeclampsia. It is not clear whether low-dose aspirin therapy is effective in reducing the likelihood of developing preeclampsia among women with an elevated BMI; however, low-dose aspirin is low-risk and therefore, can help decrease the risk for preeclampsia among women with moderate to high risk of developing the disease. Obstructive sleep apnea may be precipitated or exacerbated during pregnancy and may increase the risk of preeclampsia and GDM. Women who are obese have an increased risk for preterm birth. Maternal obesity is also associated with an increase in absolute rate of congenital anomalies. In addition, congenital anomalies are often more difficult to detect by prenatal ultrasound given acoustic limitations. (Detection decreases by 20%) Finally, there is an increased risk of dysfunctional labor in addition to complications that are incurred should an operative delivery be required. Weight gain goals recommended in obesity are 10-15 lb. Unfortunately, weight loss during pregnancy is not recommended. Serial surveillance

When thinking of public health in regards specifically to obesity, a study into maternal obesity and the long-term health of the offspring, found that ‘maternal obesity has been associated with a number of long-term adverse health outcomes in the offspring, including lifelong risk of obesity and metabolic dysregulation with increased insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, as well as behavioural problems and risk of asthma’ (O’Reilly et al, 2012:1), this highlights to us the implications not just to mother, but the long term effects to her child.

The purpose of the article is to explore factors associated with early childhood obesity, particularly focusing on whether having a foreign born mother can protect a child from weight-related problems.

birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds you are at a great risk of type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as unusual or extreme fat growth that presents a risk to a person’s health. Obesity is a complex disease with multiple drivers such as

CTVNews released an article on September 7, 2016 regarding the findings in a study published in Jama Pediatrics. The study was conducted in the United States linking babies born by caesarean section (C-section) to an increased likelihood of becoming obese.1 C-section is a procedure used during high-risk pregnancies. This method of delivery is an option; however, it may be associated with negative health outcomes. The news story sheds light on the findings and illustrates a 15% increased likelihood of a child becoming obese when born by C-section instead of vaginal delivery.1 The heightened risk was primarily significant amongst siblings. The findings depict a 64% increased likelihood of becoming obese when born by C-section as opposed to siblings who are delivered vaginally.1 In addition, the news story details that vaginal births after previous C-section deliveries has a 31% less likelihood of the child becoming.1

How many times a day do we spot an obese person walking down the street? And how often do we see an obese person overcome this difficulty? Obesity is an epidemic that affects people worldwide not only in the United States. “According to the world health organization, the obese population of the world as a whole is approximately 1 billion people” (Suestalts). Here, in the United States obesity rates are on what seems to be an unstoppable incline. “Recent statistics show that from 1980 to 2000 obesity rates more than doubled” (Suestalts). The most common causes of obesity are overeating, physical inactivity, and genetics.

When mums become over weight (if you are not already over weight before pregnancy) in their pregnancy this can cause a lot of issues with the birth of the baby. If mums weight increases, risk of baby being born too large increases this can lead to obesity in child, this can also trigger delivery complications and can lead to caesarian section and this can prolong the recovery after giving birth.

Objectives: The objective of the research article was to test the use of metformin verses a placebo as a potential solution to reducing insulin resistance in order to reduce the incidence of obesity-related complications in women during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes mellitus and excessive gestational weight gain.

Obesity has become a world-wide epidemic that affects every country and gender that exists. Obesity can result from poor nutrition, insufficient amount of exercise, or a lack of knowledge on how to care for one’s body. In general, many women suffer from being overweight. The article I read explains how some women, no matter what ethnicity, suffer from being considered over- weight during pregnancy. The article goes into further detail to explain how women feel about gaining weight while pregnant, what they believe to be considered healthy or unhealthy, and how they feel about their healthcare provider’s service to them while being pregnant. The articles states, “In the United Stated, 35.8% of reproductive age women (20-39)

This is just one example of how obesity can be passed on from mother to fetus. Because we can only fill or empty our fat cells, a mothers’ plays a vital in the child’s odds of having obesity. And that’s why if you have childhood obesity you’re more likely to be obese even as an adult. Furthermore I found it very concerning, yet informative that it’s not just the diet of a women conception that effects the odds of babies having obesity but a mothers diet at least two years prior to conception. Although I agree with this argument, one point that I think they should have briefly discussed is the father diet before conception is important too. I think preventive care for both parents, not just the mother should be discussed because the both parents are part of the child’s dietary

Due to a poor diet some pregnant woman can end up having babies that are under weight. These children may then suffer long term health issues leading all the way into adult hood reducing the amount of time that they will actually live. They are at a higher risk of developing physical conditions such as hearing and sight defects.