Pregnancy & Obesity

A study of pregnancy in women who were morbidly obese, compared to women of normal weight, showed poor periantal outcomes. Preeclampsia was determined to occur at a rate of nearly five times as frequently: meconium aspiration, fetal distress ad low Apgar scores were also seen more often. In addition, interventions were more frequent, including three times the number of cesareans, a 34% increase in instrumental deliveries, and more inductions. Babies were also more likely to be born preterm.

--- Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 59(7): 489-491, 2004