[Obesity and pregnancy].

As the prevalence of obesity is currently increasing in Western countries, maternal obesity is one of the most frequently encountered high-risk obstetrical situations. Pregnancies in obese women are characterized by a high incidence of maternal (gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders) and fetal (macrosomia, neural tube defects, late fetal deaths) complications. Because of those complications, cesarean sections rate is higher in obese women than in lean women. The occurrence of materno-fetal complications parallels the level of obesity, but even moderate overweight amplifies the risk. Long-term complications include worsening of maternal obesity, type 2 diabetes in the mother, and development of childhood obesity. Prenatal care should include a tight monitoring of weight gain and screening for gestational diabetes. Long term follow-up is necessary.