Abstract

Obesity represents one of the greatest threats to public health today. During pregnancy, obese women face various and catastrophic maternal/perinatal adverse outcomes. The risks associated with being overweight and obese also compromise the future health of both the woman and her offspring. This narrative review includes systematic reviews, meta- analyses, and cohort or case-control studies that describe the considerable and serious harm to which an obese woman is exposed during pregnancy, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause these effects. Obese women and healthcare providers must be aware of these consequences when planning a pregnancy. Based on the results of this review, it is ideally recommended that women who wish to become pregnant should start with a normal weight. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these damages will allow for the development of more effective specific treatments during pregnancy.

Keywords

obesity and pregnancy, adverse outcomes, pathophysiology, gestational diabetes, perinatal death and obesity