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Expert highlights obese pregnancy risks

This news item was added on 11th February 2008

An expert has moved to emphasise the additional risks associated with pregnancy in obese women.

According to Janet Pollard, regional children's service lead with NHS Direct, obesity can increase the risks of diabetes and pre-eclampsia and can also lead to complications during the birth.

Ms Pollard said that a recent enquiry into child and maternal health "has really highlighted the problems of obesity in pregnancy".

The CEMACH report, Saving Mothers' Lives, found that more than half of all maternal deaths from direct or indirect causes were in women who were overweight or obese, while more than 15 per cent were morbidly obese.

"The overall death rate amongst very overweight or obese women is higher than those who are normal weight - it is quite significantly linked," she revealed.

The expert also noted that dieting is not advisable during pregnancy and recommended: "The important thing is trying to get into the best physical shape before pregnancy."