Developing Standards of Care for Obese Women During Pregnancy

Tackling the obesity epidemic is both a scientific and societal problem that will take time to resolve. Meanwhile, health care systems will have to cope with an increasing obese population. In pregnancy, obesity is associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity from diseases such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and thromboembolism. The foetus does not escape unscathed with higher rates of perinatal mortality, congenital abnormalities and prematurity. Nevertheless, by setting evidence-based standards it should be possible to drive up the quality of care and safeguard both the mother and her baby.