A hospital study shows that in the space of a decade, the proportion of pregnant women with obesity has doubled

The proportion of pregnant women suffering from obesity (body mbad index) [BMI] above 30 kg / m²has doubled in the last decade, from around 22% in 2010 to 44% in 2018, according to a new study presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Glasgow, UK (April 28 to May 1).

The results also reveal an increasing incidence of cesarean births along with an increase in BMI. In 2018, about 1 in 4 pregnant women with a normal BMI (BMI 18.5-25 kg / m²) had a caesarean section compared to more than 1 pregnant woman with morbid obesity out of 2 (BMI greater than 40).

"These latest figures are disturbing and show how much the problem of obesity in pregnancy has worsened.This could reflect changes in the UK," said Dr. Laura Jane Erunlu, of University Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, Scotland.

The prevalence of obesity in the UK has increased significantly over the past 30 years. In 2010, almost half of pregnant women in Scotland were overweight or obese, one in five being considered obese.

"Steps to stop or reverse this trend are critical – even before conception, women need to think about maintaining a healthy weight, exercise and healthy eating to give their baby the best possible start. in life."

Obesity during pregnancy greatly increases the risk of maternal complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and miscarriage. Obesity can also cause problems for the baby, such as greater weight at birth. The MBRRACE-UK review found that more than half (52%) of pregnant women who died in the United Kingdom and Ireland between 2009 and 2012 were overweight or obese. In this study, Erunlu and his colleagues aimed to quantify the prevalence and trends of maternal obesity at the Ayrshire Maternity Unit in Kilmarnock, Scotland, which serves a population of 400,000 people and gives birth to about 3,000 babies each year.

"Pregnant women now tend to be older, heavier and have a more complex medical history when they become pregnant.These complications pose special challenges to our maternity services and we need to shape our health care services. taking into account this changing demographics, "says Dr. Erunlu. "The increase in BMI and the increasing incidence of caesarean section among pregnant women with obesity is placing an increased need for obstetric theater and support for medical and nursing staff."

The authors acknowledge that their findings are limited by the fact that it is a retrospective observational study. The dataset was based on accurate data capture by clinical staff. The electronic registration was introduced in 2009 and we expect that the quality of the data immediately after its introduction will be less accurate.

Provided by
European Association for the Study of Obesity