[Maternal obesity and child outcome: A major prevention issue].

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

The prevalence of maternal obesity is steadily increasing, affecting a significant proportion of pregnancies. Beyond well-known obstetric complications, this condition exposes the newborn to immediate risks (perinatal mortality, congenital malformations, macrosomia) and the child to long-term consequences (obesity, metabolic disorders, and neurodevelopmental issues). Since lifestyle interventions during pregnancy show limited efficacy on child outcomes, prevention strategies must focus on the preconception period and the promotion of breastfeeding. This is an underestimated public health issue that requires collective action by health authorities and practitioners.