Prepregnancy obesity: a complex risk factor for selected birth defects.
Obesity is associated with increased risk of many adverse health conditions. During pregnancy, obesity presents particularly important challenges for both mother and baby. Over the last 20 years, studies have emerged indicating an association between prepregnancy weight and risks of birth defects. However, few studies have examined the mechanisms through which this association occurs. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may provide clues to public health strategies for the prevention of birth defects associated with maternal obesity. This article briefly reviews existing literature on the association between maternal obesity and birth defects, discusses potential underlying mechanisms, and suggests research needed to improve our understanding of this important association.
California Research Division, March of Dimes Foundation, 5700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94609, USA. scarmichael@marchofdimes.com
Suzan L
SL
Carmichael
Sonja A
SA
Rasmussen
Gary M
GM
Shaw
D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D012307:Risk Factors