Obesity in pregnancy. Part 1: prevalence and risks.

There is growing emphasis on achieving a healthy weight before and during pregnancy, but midwives are seeing increasing numbers of pregnant women who are overweight or obese. Women who are obese when they become pregnant may face increased risks to their own and their babies' health and are more likely to experience complications in labour. Midwives are in a key position to help pregnant women become aware of the increased risks, and can signpost to a healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy to avoid excessive weight gain.