Obesity in the Maternity Ward

Over the past couple of decades, we have seen the obesity epidemic spread through every demographic group, but now according to this article in the NY Times, 1 out of every 5 women who give birth in the U.S. is obese, ranging from 400 to sometimes 600 pounds. Pregnancy is made riskier with this excess weight, and obese women are more likely to develop diabetes, hypertension, and to deliver prematurely. Dr. Mark Chames, an obstetrician at the University of Michigan Health System at Ann Arbor, has directed a new center for Bariatric Obstetric Care to address this problem.

New treatment and procedures are needed in care for obese women. For example, an ultrasound signal can not penetrate through the tissue so instead Dr. Chames uses a vaginal probe. Weight loss is even encouraged in this center, as evidence suggests that women who maintain or lose weight during pregnancy experience fewer complications and deliver healthier babies. Still, much more research is needed to make this approach more popular in other hospitals.