What are some effects of obesity on pregnancy?
A. (Part 1) As the American obesity epidemic continues, women seeking pregnancy are not spared from the effects of increased body mass. In these patients, reduced fertility results from polycystic ovaries and ovulatory dysfunction. Once pregnant, both the mother and her developing baby can experience health problems. An obese mother is at greater risk for developing gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia (toxemia), macrosomia (increased infant weight) and an increased need for cesarean section. If a c-section is required, she has increased operative risks, too, including anesthetic complications, prolonged operating times, increased blood loss and deep venous blood clots. — Dr. David Barker, OB/GYN Center for Excellence; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society Readers: To submit an obesity-related question for a medical doctor, e-mail it to Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com. See this space each week for answers.
