Obesity and Pregnancy

Learn more about pregnancy care for patients with elevated body mass index (BMI).

Overview

Obesity is the most common health consideration in people of reproductive age. Historically, body mass index (BMI) has been the most widely accepted measure of a person's weight in relation to their height.

However, we now understand that BMI alone is not always an accurate tool for identifying weight-related complications. There are new ways to assess how your weight affects your health. These new approaches consider metabolic, physical, and psychological factors.

Research on body weight and pregnancy tells us that elevated BMI does increase the risk of developing a health complication during pregnancy.

It is important to have specialized care to help prevent, identify and manage health conditions during pregnancy. This will help you have the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

Our maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists are specialized obstetricians who provide pregnancy care for people with various health conditions during pregnancy. Your care will focus on monitoring the health of you and your baby and treating any complications as soon as possible.

If you are not currently pregnant, we encourage you to discuss your pregnancy plans with your family physician before planning a pregnancy.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for Medical Disorders of Pregnancy.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Your pregnancy care

It is important to us that you actively participate in decision-making about your care. Our MFM specialists will help you understand your testing and treatment choices so that you can make the best possible decisions for both you and your baby.

Planning for birth is also important. We are happy to accept referrals to discuss delivery options and personalized advantages and risks.

For prenatal appointments with an MFM, you will visit our Medical Disorders of Pregnancy Clinic. Depending on your specific needs, additional appointments may be scheduled at the OB Medicine Clinic, High-Risk OB Anesthesia Clinic or with other specialists at Mount Sinai Hospital.

When appropriate, we offer shared care so some of your prenatal appointments can be closer to your home. We also offer a full transfer of care to our program for pregnancy care and birth.

Treatment

Your prenatal care will focus on monitoring your health and that of your baby to address any complications that may arise. In addition to standard prenatal tests, we may recommend additional tests based on your specific health conditions.

Your care may include any of the following:

Early anatomy screening for your baby
Additional ultrasounds to monitor the growth of your baby
Monitoring of your blood pressure
Bloodwork and ultrasounds to assess your health and organ function
Echocardiography (heart ultrasound) for you or your baby
Supplements or medication
Referrals to other specialists as needed
Assessment and advice from our dietitian
Birth planning

Labour and delivery

People with elevated BMI have higher risks of complications during labour and birth. We will talk with you about your options for birth and help you understand the risks that are specific to you and your pregnancy.

At Mount Sinai, we have access to specialized equipment and health-care providers (such as MFM specialists, surgeons and anesthesiologists) with expertise in managing labour and birth in the context of obesity.

Our Anesthesiology team is here to support you during your labour and ensure effective pain management.

In general, our recommendations for your labour and delivery care may include any of the following:

Specific preparations for your birth in a hospital near you or transfer to Mount Sinai
Meeting with our obstetrical anesthesia team
Scheduling an induction of labour, as needed
Scheduling a Caesarean section, as needed
Monitoring of your health throughout labour
Monitoring the health of your baby throughout labour
Medication including antibiotics or blood thinner to decrease complications after the birth

Breast/chestfeeding challenges are common in parents with elevated BMI. At Mount Sinai, we have classes and lacatation consultants to help you before you go home. We also offer infant feeding support at our Postnatal Ambulatory Clinic (PNAC) in the first few weeks after birth.