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Prepregnancy Obesity as a Risk Factor for Structural Birth Defects

Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine · 2007 · Vol. 161(8) · pp. 745–745

D. Kim Waller✉(The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)

Abstract

To our knowledge, this is the first population-based study of its scale to examine prepregnancy obesity and a range of structural birth defects. These results suggest a weak to moderate positive association of maternal obesity with 7 of 16 categories of birth defects and a strong inverse association with gastroschisis. The mechanisms underlying these associations are not yet understood but may be related to undiagnosed diabetes.

Congenital Anomalies and Fetal Surgery Urological Disorders and Treatments Gestational Diabetes Research and ManagementOmphaloceleMedicineGastroschisisSpina bifidaBody mass indexOverweightUnderweightObesityAnencephalyObstetrics

MeSH terms

Congenital AbnormalitiesAdolescentAdultFemaleHealth SurveysHumansInfant, NewbornInterviews as TopicMaternal WelfareObesityPopulation SurveillancePregnancyPregnancy ComplicationsRisk FactorsUnited States