What is the primary risk associated with maternal obesity during pregnancy?

Maternal obesity during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension. These conditions can lead to various complications for both the mother and the baby.

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy, which can result from obesity. It poses risks such as larger birth weights and complications during delivery. Hypertension, whether chronic or gestational, can lead to serious conditions like preeclampsia, which can threaten the lives of both mother and child.

While obesity can contribute to other concerns such as a higher likelihood of cesarean delivery and potential issues with labor and delivery, the direct correlation of obesity increasing the likelihood of gestational diabetes and hypertension marks it as the primary risk associated with maternal obesity during pregnancy. This highlights the critical need for proper management and monitoring of these conditions throughout the prenatal care timeline.