The prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age (20 to 39) in the US is 39.7%. Prevalence is found to be lowest among non-Hispanic Asian women (17.2%) and higher in non-Hispanic White (39.8%), Hispanic (43.7%), and non-Hispanic black (56.9%) women (2017 to 2018 data). Obesity is commonly classified based on body mass index (BMI). BMI is defined as weight in kg divided by height in meters squared (kg/m2). Definitions are as follows
Antepartum effects
Intrapartum effects
Post-partum effects
Fetal and childhood risks
Preconception Care
Note: USPSTF recommends clinicians offer behavioral counseling interventions to promote healthy weight gain and preventing excess gestational weight gain in pregnancy to all pregnant women (see ‘Learn More – Primary Sources’ below) | Table 2 includes a comprehensive summary of behavioral counseling interventions
Prenatal Care
Intrapartum Care
Postpartum Care
ACOG Practice Bulletin 230: Obesity in Pregnancy
ACOG Committee Opinion No. 548 :Weight Gain During Pregnancy
USPSTF: Behavioral Counseling Interventions for Healthy Weight and Weight Gain in Pregnancy
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