Study Links Maternal Obesity to Increased Risk of Infant Heart Defects

Women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy faced an increased risk of having babies with specific heart defects, according to a recent study conducted in the United States. The research compared women with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) to those with normal BMIs prior to pregnancy.

The study indicated that overweight or obese women had approximately an 18 percent greater risk of giving birth to a baby with heart defects. Researchers analyzed data to determine the correlation between maternal BMI and infant cardiac health.

Researchers continue to investigate the factors contributing to congenital heart defects. Further study may provide insights into potential preventative measures.