Pregnancy and obesity: an emerging problem

Abstract

Because of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Brazilian adult population, particularly in women in reproductive age, pregnancy in this population deserves attention by health authorities. This condition is still poorly understood, and there are no reference centers for maternal super-obesity care. Obese women are at an increased risk of chronic comorbid conditions, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, asthma and non-alcoholic fat liver disease. Some studies show that the increased risk to both mother and fetus extends beyond intrauterine period. Gestation should be planned, as obesity may impair the efficacy of contraceptive methods, especially in those women who underwent bariatric surgery. Prenatal care requires special attention so as to control maternal weight gain and to minimize known fetal complications such as macrosomia, anomalies and nutritional deficiencies. This review demonstrates that excessive weight during pregnancy is an important risk factor for the health of both mother and fetus. The obesity pandemic has come to afflict developing countries and affects women in reproductive age in a particular way. Pregnancy in morbid obese women requires a greater number of prenatal exams, demands more frequent cesarean labors, increases the incidence of surgical infections, demands longer hospitalization – which leads to greater economical impact on the public health system. Further studies and investment in training for health personnel are required to assist these patients.