Maternal obesity has recently been linked to several risk factors which increase the costs associated with OB care. In addition to the risk that you may not discover you are pregnant until you deliver a 7 pound baby, maternal obesity can increase the complexity and risk of delivery. These risks include more expensive complicated equipment, increased dependence on care, and greater likelihood of complications, including deep vein thromboses, incontinence, diabetes and pre-eclampsia. The study, conducted in England, concludes that more guidance on pregnancy nutrition and weight gain guidance is needed during pregnancy.
If the Brits are having trouble with maternal obesity, it's a safe bet the OB/Gyn care in the United States is having an even worse go of it. Pregnant women are given so many mixed messages about nutrition and health, it's truly no wonder they're often depressed. Given climbing obesity rates in the States, it appears this problem won't be getting easier anytime soon.
