Rise in obesity leading to more complex births

RISING obesity levels in pregnant women are contributing to a growing number of increasingly complex births, the Health Service Executive (HSE) head of obstetrics and gynaecology has warned.

In addition to obesity — one of the most frequent causes of pregnancy complications — the growing number of multiple births, largely the result of fertility treatment, is adding to complexity of deliveries, said Professor Michael Turner.

The growing number of women from overseas giving birth, some of whom have infectious diseases not seen in the Irish population, was an additional challenge.