Perinatal Obesity

Over the past twenty years, Americans have grown fatter, causing markedly increased rates of heart disease, diabetes, and premature death.  The extra pounds that put many individuals at risk also put unborn babies at risk even before they are born.

According to researchers with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five women are obese when they become pregnant, and medical evidence suggests that obesity might be contributing to record-high rates of Caesarean sections and leading to more birth defects and deaths for mothers and babies.  Additionally, data shows obese women are also more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, anesthesia complications, hemorrhage, blood clots and strokes during pregnancy and childbirth.

Hospitals, especially in poor neighborhoods, have been forced to adjust. They are buying longer surgical instruments, more sophisticated fetal testing machines and bigger beds. They are holding sensitivity training for staff members and counseling women about losing weight, or even having bariatric surgery, before they become pregnant.

NCSJP is working on a comprehensive research program to analyze, monitor, and make sound policy decisions regarding this important public health issue.