Update on Prepregnancy Maternal Obesity: Birth Defects and Childhood Outcomes.
Obesity is a growing global health epidemic. It is estimated that more than 20% of pregnancies are complicated by obesity. Prepregnancy obesity has been associated with birth defects such as neural tube defects, macrosomia, fetal death, and long-term effects such as asthma on the offspring. We provide a summary of the most recent studies and meta-analyses on obesity and birth outcome. Possible mechanisms of actions are explored and recommendations for further research are highlighted.
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Noha
N
Iessa
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Anick
A
Bérard
body mass index; major congenital malformations; obesity; pregnancy