CLINICAL REVIEW

Abstract Obesity is presently the most prevalent health threat in the western world, and its influence on general health is rapidly increasing. Obesity has also developed as a major and frequent risk factor for pregnancy complications. Complications often encountered in ob-ese pregnant women are hypertensive disorders, gesta-tional diabetes mellitus, caesarean section, and postpartum and postoperative infections. The incidence of pulmonary embolism and primary postpartum haemorrhage is most likely also increased. Anaesthetic complications are more frequent. Neonatal conse-quences of obesity include an increased rate of congen-ital anomalies, stillbirth, and macrosomia. This article focuses on practical implications of obesity in pregnancy and childbirth for the caregiver