Obesity is a problem for pregnant women

Pregnant women who are obese or heavily overweight are more vulnerable to additional dangers, according to NHS Direct.

Janet Pollard, a midwife and a regional children’s service lead with NHS Direct, has said that obesity increases the risk of problems such as diabetes and pre-eclampsia, as well as potential difficulties with the birth itself.

She added that "the latest CEMACH report, Saving Mothers' Lives, which ran from 2003 to 2005, has shown that the overall death rate amongst very overweight or obese women is higher than those who are normal weight - it is quite significantly linked".

"The important thing is trying to get into the best physical shape before pregnancy, although pregnancies often happen without planning."

A recent joint study by researchers at VU University in Amsterdam and the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that women who receive acupuncture while undergoing IVF treatment may increase their chances of successful treatment.

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