Implications of high maternal weight during pregnancy.
A high body weight on conception and during pregnancy can have health implications for both the mother and child. Obese mothers have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, delivering via Caesarean section and giving birth to large-for-gestational-age infants or infants with congenital anomalies. Women need to be educated about the importance of achieving a healthy body weight before conception, to avoid complications during pregnancy and prevent perinatal perturbations.
Derbyshire
Emma
E
Manchester Metropolitan University. e.derbyshire@mmu.ac.uk