Maternal Obesity Is a Risk Factor for Birth Defects

Several studies suggest that maternal overweight and obesity are associated with structural birth defects. To examine this association, investigators analyzed data from the multisite, case-control, population-based National Birth Defects Prevention Study of more than 10,000 mothers of offspring with birth defects and more than 4000 mothers of offspring without birth defects. Sixteen categories of birth defects were analyzed, and self-reported height and prepregnancy weight were used to calculate BMI.

Maternal obesity (BMI ≥30) was associated with significantly increased risks for offspring with spina bifida, heart defects, anorectal atresia, hypospadias, limb reduction defects, diaphragmatic hernia, and omphalocele (range of adjusted odds ra…