Evidence Based Midwifery: December 2009
Hora Soltani PhD, MMedSci, BSc, RM, PGDip.
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Abstract
Background. Obesity is a growing problem for women of reproductive age and about one fifth of pregnant women in the UK are obese.
Aim. To explore the literature and provide an evidence-based commentary on maternal obesity during pregnancy and its effects on birth outcomes. The effectiveness of weight management strategies are also reviewed.
Findings and conclusions. Considering the rising rates of obesity and the strong evidence for the severity of adverse outcomes of obesity in pregnancy, further high-quality research evidence is required to identify short- and long-term outcomes of weight management strategies during pregnancy. More robust guidelines for the management of weight gain during pregnancy are also required.
Key words: Obesity, pregnancy, weight gain, birth outcome, evidence-based midwifery
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