Maternal Obesity and Congenital Anomalies: Its Implications and Future Trends

Abstract

Objectives To find the current body of evidence for maternal obesity's association with and its burden on congenital malformations and to estimate its financial and mortality implications as well as future trend. Materials and methods Thorough search and review of current literature with deductive interpretations. Results and evidence Obesity is associated with certain types of congenital anomalies like neural tube defects (NTD), congenital heart defects (CHDs), orofacial defects, etc. The burden in absolute numbers for major CHD and NTD attributable to obesity can be estimated to be 0.42 to 1.05 and 0.588 to 1.12 per 10,000 births respectively. Remarks and conclusion Contribution of maternal obesity on perinatal mortality could be anywhere from 6 to 20 per 1,00,000 births. However, its economic implications could be substantial. Current trend indicates that contribution of obesity to certain congenital anomalies may increase in future. How to cite this article Madhab G, Bharadwaz A. Maternal Obesity and Congenital Anomalies: Its Implications and Future Trends. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2015;7(3):134-142.