Obstetric risks in obesity. An analysis of the literature.

In order to evaluate the obstetric risks in obesity a partly computerized literature search was performed. Irrespective of language, papers published between 1960 and 1982 were included, provided that they were original and controlled studies on obstetric complications among women with a stated degree of overweight. Out of 143 publications 26 fulfilled the criteria and were included. They revealed information on 10,440 cases. Most reported subjects were only moderately obese. Thirty-seven complications were stated in one or more publications as being significantly more prevalent among obese women compared with lean controls. However, as data were often scarce or highly conflicting, it is concluded that an increased risk is only sufficiently documented with regard to a minority of these complications. They are: preeclampsia as well as each separate element of this disorder, diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, and the need for caesarean section. The significantly increased birth weight of the infants did not induce increase of labor complications.