Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology
-
Recent years have witnessed a rise in maternal obesity, which is independently associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. The pathophysiology is unclear, but it is likely related to abnormal placental function, and inflammatory, metabolic and hormonal imbalances in the mother. ⋯ Obese and extremely obese women should be treated as high-risk obstetric patients, with increased antenatal surveillance and specialist input. The postnatal period may be a useful time to provide weight management advice to women to prevent interpregnancy weight gain and reduce the risk of stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies.