Pregnancy-related obesity brings with it complex problems that require comprehensive understanding and preventive care. It is important to highlight the complex concerns that maternal obesity poses for both the growing fetus and the pregnant mother. The effects of maternal obesity extend far beyond pregnancy, impacting the long-term health of both mother and child. Understanding these complications is important for effective intervention and management.
According to WHO, more than 1 billion people suffer from obesity globally – 650 million adults, 340 million youth and 39 million children. In a place where more than a third of the population suffers from obesity, it is extremely important to highlight the adverse effects of this epidemic.
How does obesity affect female reproductive health?
Dr. Garima Sahni, senior gynecologist and co-founder of Pristine Care, says, “Maternal obesity increases the chances of experiencing certain problems during pregnancy. The primary concern is the increased risk of gestational diabetes, which can affect the unborn baby. may have adverse effects.” In addition to endangering the mother’s health, obese pregnant women are more likely to develop hypertensive diseases such as preeclampsia, which requires close monitoring and prompt treatment.”
“The association between obesity in mothers and a higher risk of cesarean delivery highlights the importance of early detection and a proactive approach to care. Cesarean deliveries often create additional difficulties for the patient recovering from surgery, and their health. But there can also be long-term consequences for mother and child, Dr Garima adds.
Obesity and pregnancy: risk factors
In the quest to understand the complex interrelationship between obesity and female reproductive health, it is clear that being healthy is not only an individual decision but an important step toward a healthy future for the next generation. Dr Kshitij Murdia, CEO and co-founder of Indira IVF, shares the risk factors associated with pregnancy in obese women:
– In women’s reproductive health, obesity is associated with anovulation, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, decreased ovulation rates, poor response to fertility treatments, and miscarriage.
Obesity affects sex hormone production and insulin resistance, which affects the quality of eggs produced.
Maternal obesity is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and macrosomia.
– Pregnancy in these circumstances carries risks for both the mother and the fetus, increasing the chance of certain birth defects and premature delivery.
– Obesity reduces the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, leading to reduced clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.
– Contraceptive effectiveness is compromised in obese women, reducing the chance of having a healthy newborn.
– It is important to manage obesity before and during pregnancy to reduce these risks.
