Unlike other areas of medicine where statistics are meticulously kept by governments and global organizations, there are no accurate data to describe the number of the world's inhabitants who are overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. Despite this knowledge deficit, it should come as no surprise to readers that the medical community is facing an epidemic. Obesity is present in many of the developed countries and can also be observed in some urban areas of developing nations. The cause of this epidemic, simply stated, is overeating, but the overriding concern is more complex. Social factors, such as growing affluence since the 1950s, increasing reliance on pre-prepared meals, and the popularity of fast foods and sweetened drinks, have all contributed to the problem.
Without doubt, the obesity epidemic has had adverse effects on both men and women, but in the case of women, some of its worse complications occur with those who are severely obese and pregnant. Obviously, this combination has been seen in the past, but it has increased so dramatically in its frequency that research has yet to catch up. Studies may discuss one or another aspect of caring for the obese pregnant patient, but until now, there has been no attempt to draw all such material together to try and present a comprehensive appraisal of the problem.
Written by international experts, this practical guide draws on evidence-based material and is an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals dealing with obese pregnant women on a day-to-day basis.
Contributors
Preface
SECTION 1: CORE ISSUES
Epidemiology and long-term health consequences of obesity - Hamisu M Salihu and Alice R Richman
Pregravid obesity and excessive weight gain: implications on pregnancy - Galia Oron, Yariv Yogev and Moshe Hod
The psychology of obesity in women and pregnancy - Georgina Jones
The molecular biology of obesity - David CW Lau
SECTION 2: OBESITY AND REPRODUCTION
Obesity and conception - Erica E Marsh and Randall B Barnes
Maternal risks: hypertension, thromboembolism, and gestational
diabetes - Daghni Rajasingam and Hannah Rickard
Fetal risks: early and late pregnancy, and long-term complications
in adult life - Eyal Sheiner and Adi Y Weintraub
SECTION 3: PRECONCEPTUAL, ANTENATAL, AND POSTNATAL CARE
Antenatal care and ultrasound monitoring - Rebecca Black
Intrapartum care - Leslie Iffy and Lisa Gittensâ€"Williams
Postpartum care - Kirsten Duckitt
Obesity and contraception - Ailsa E Gebbie
Diet and anti-obesity drugs - Manny Noakes and Jane Scott
Surgical treatment of chronic overnutrition - John G Kral
Diabetes and obesity - Orli Most and Oded Langer
SECTION 4: SURGERY AND ANAESTHESIA
Operative delivery - LaTasha Nelson and Alan M Peaceman
Anaesthetic techniques - Melanie J Woolnough and Steven M Yentis
Index
Biography
Margaret Rees
Reader in Reproductive Medicine and Honorary Consultant in Medical Gynaecology,
Mahantesh Karoshi
Specialist Registrar, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Louis Keith
Professor Emeritus and Former Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern
With the dramatic increase in the incidence of obesity in the UK and many other developed nations in recent years, this text, incorporating largely evidence-based material, has been released at an appropriate time and will serve as a useful guide for healthcare professionals.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Feb 2009
In the absence of national guidelines in the UK to improve the management of these women, this is an invaluable book and it should be available to all clinicians caring for obese pregnant women.
The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Nov 2009
