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A new concern tonight about obesity: A fresh analysis of the evidence shows for obese women who become pregnant, their fetus is at an increased risk of birth defects.
Obesity can be a problem if you become pregnant. The health concerns for the mother-to-be, especially during and after labor, are significant -- including preeclampsia and dangerous blood clots.
"As well as a significantly increased risk of cesarean section and problems with something called ‘shoulder dystocia,' where it's difficult for the infant to be delivered vaginally because of the obesity of the mother," explained Dr. Regina Arvon, a specialist in maternal fetal medicine and medical genetics.
Now a fresh review of literature shows a potential danger before delivery; this time, for the fetus. Researchers found a link between maternal obesity and an increased risk of birth defects, including neural tube anomalies, such as spina bifida, heart defects, cleft lip, cleft palate and brain abnormalities.
"Women should be encouraged to see their physician when they're thinking about conceiving," Arvon said.
Arvon says obese women are at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and wonders if diabetes is the real culprit. "That may be the answer for different anomalies. We know women coming in with diabetes are at a significant risk for birth defects," she said.
What else do we know? Maintaining a healthy weight before and during a pregnancy is a good idea. What's more, the best way to prevent neural tube defects is to take folic acid -- 400 micrograms a day.
Since half of all pregnancies are not planned, the folic acid supplement is recommended for all women of reproductive age.
E-mail: drkim@ksl.com
