[Obstetrical complications of maternal overweight].

Overweight is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Pregnancy in obese women frequently results in an increased incidence of maternal complications (gestational diabetes, hypertension, toxemia) and adverse perinatal outcome (macrosomia, perinatal mortality). Cesarean deliveries are also more frequent in obese women, mainly because of cephalopelvic dysproportion due to macrosomia. Optimal treatment for gestational diabetes is difficult to achieve, although hyperglycemia further impairs maternofoetal prognosis. The incidence of intrauterine growth retardation is not increased in obese pregnancy. A successful obstetrical outcome may be achievable through multidisciplinary antenatal management.