Obesity and Pregnancy: A Look at the Issues

You don't have to look far to read or hear something about the obesity epidemic. In America, 1 in 3 women are considered obese and between 18-38% of women are obese while pregnant. And obesity is no longer just an American phenomenon -- it's happening worldwide. Increased risks and complications for women who are pregnant and obese can and do happen. However, the deeper issue when it comes to maternity care for overweight and obese women is a lack of compassion and a propensity to categorize all of these women as high risk.

Our sister blog, Science & Sensibility, recently covered a series entitled, "Maternal Obesity from All Sides." In the first post, blogger Kimmelin Hull makes a poignant statement:

"While many women of size will go on to develop one or more ... complications, some of these women will go on to experience completely normal pregnancies, labors and births."

Throughout the 8 posts in this series, multiple authors discuss how providers can use best evidence to care for pregnant overweight and obese women with compassion and as individuals. Some of the issues covered include:

• Percentage of complications occurring in pregnant women according to their BMI
• Routine vs. evidence-based ways of treating common complications
• Justifiable concerns of caring for obese women as well as recommendations for more comprehensive, preventative care of women during childbearing years
• Understanding a woman's individual lifestyle, culture and socioeconomic status when providing health recommendations
• An insider's view of the over-sensationalized stories of risk in obesity during pregnancy
• Breastfeeding and obesity -- a look at real vs. perceived issues
• Alternatives to the three standard approaches to improving outcomes for obese pregnant women

While the articles in this series are written primarily for maternity care professionals, they are worth reading if you are someone (or know someone) who is overweight or obese and approaching pregnancy or birth. Be sure also to read through the thought-provoking discussions that occur in the comments of each post and add your own thoughts or questions.