Dangers for obese mothers

By Elizabeth Heathcote  on Monday 9 February 2009

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Obese first-time mothers have a greatly increased risk of pre-eclampsia. They are also more likely to have a premature and low birthweight baby. 



Nearly one in five women with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 who were pregnant for the first time had a baby of lower than normal birth weight, a study of British and Dutch mothers found. This is nearly twice the rate for the general population.



In addition, 11.7% of obese first-time mothers developed pre-clampsia, compared to 2% of the general population. The risk of pre-eclampsia increased with BMI, according to the Times today.



The study of 385 obese first time mothers, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found that 39% had their babies by Caesarean section. This is the highest rate ever recorded, said the authors. 


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Monday 9 February 2009

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