What You See Might Not Be What You Get: Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis in Obese Women

Congenital anomalies are more likely to be missed in fetuses of women with high BMI.

Maternal obesity is associated with many adverse perinatal outcomes, including birth defects. Ultrasound detection of such anomalies in utero can be especially challenging in women with high body mass index, however. U.K. investigators analyzed results of a population-based survey of congenital anomalies to determine the likelihood of prenatal diagnosis among 2483 cases of birth defects.

Fetal anomalies went undetected prenatally in 40%, 47%, 52%, and 54% of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese women, respectively (P=0.007). Analysis adjusted for maternal socioeconomic status, age, pregestational diabetes, and multiple gestations showed that fetal anomalies were 23% less likely to be diagnosed in obese women than in women of nor…

Reviewing Author

Allison Bryant, MD, MPH

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Board of Directors)

Allison Bryant, MD, MPH

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Board of Directors)

What You See Might Not Be What You Get: Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis in Obese Women

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Reviewing Author