Obesity complicates pregnancy 9.20.05

It is no secret that obesity and pregnancy are dangerous combinations. This results in an increase of miscarriage and potentially life threatening complications for both the mother and the child. Obesity double's the risk of spina bifida as well as gestational diabetes.

"No one knows just how many pregnancies are complicated by obesity. The government estimates one-third of adult women in the United States are obese. Also, most of the estimated 110,000 people who each year undergo gastric bypass, the leading obesity surgery, are women in their child-bearing years - who are supposed to delay conceiving for up to 18 months afterward."

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