Cost effective evidence-based interventions to manage obesity in pregnancy

The rising tide of obesity has seen the prevalence of overweight and obese women presenting for antenatal care approach 50% in recent years. In addition, many pregnant women have gestational weight gain in excess of Institute of Medicine guidelines and develop obesity as a result of pregnancy. Both variables impact adversely upon pregnancy outcome. Individualised programs are not financially viable for cash strapped health systems. This review outlines an evidencebased, public health approach to the management of obesity in pregnancy. The interventions are affordable and in randomised and epidemiological trials, achieve benefits in pregnancy outcome.