Born to obese mothers of babies at higher risk of death: study (HealthDay)

(Tuesday, April 5, HealthDay News) - babies born to mothers who were obese in early pregnancy have a greater risk of dying before, during, or up to one year after the birth, according to a new British study.

Researchers examined about 41 000 pregnancies involving delivery of unique to five units of maternity babies in the North of England from 2003 to 2005.

The risk of a baby dying in the womb (fetal death) or up to one year after the birth (infant death) was twice as high among women who were obese (BMI of 30 or more) in early pregnancy among people with normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to 24.5).

There was almost eight deaths more fetal and infant per 1,000 births among obese women and women with a normal weight. Total (absolute) risk of the death of the fetus or infant was 16 years old in every 1,000 births (1.6%) in obese women and close to 9 per 1,000 births (0.9%) in women of normal weight.

The lowest risk was among women with a BMI of 23. BMI, or body mass index is a ratio of weight to height. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.

The study was published April 5 in the journal Human Reproduction.

"There are probably a number of reasons why obesity is associated with the death of the fetus and newborn, and we do not yet know the full story," study co-author Judith Rankin Professor of maternal health, perinatal epidemiology at the University of Newcastlesaid in a press release of the newspaper. "For example, he y an increased risk of hypertension or diabetes develop during pregnancy." Understand the risks associated with obesity is useful to take care of pregnant women, health professionals so that additional monitoring may be provided if necessary. ?

Most of the women in the United Kingdom and other developed nations "will deliver a live baby, regardless of their weight in early pregnancy," Dr. Ruth Bell, clinical master of conferences at the University of Newcastle, said in the press release.

"What is essential is that women should be helped to achieve a healthy weight before becoming pregnant or after the birth of the baby." Our research shows that this will allow the child the best possible start in life. "Women should not try to lose weight during pregnancy, but should ensure that they eat a healthy diet balanced," she said.

More information

Health Information Center the U.S. National Women's provides health advice during pregnancy.

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