Discussion
overweight, stillbirth and stress
OBESE, COMPLICATIONS
From 40 weeks’ gestation, women classified as overweight have a double risk of stillbirth compared to women of normal weight, and the risk increased to almost four times higher for obese women. Women who were obese or severely obese had higher risk of almost all adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low Apgar score, stillbirth, transfer to neonatal care and instrumental delivery, compared to women of normal weight.A recent study with data from the United States confirms the dose–response risk for stillbirth according to BMI and gestational week [In obstetric care the healthcare professionals weigh the pros and cons when inducing labor before the due date, with the aim of preserving the pregnancy, if possible. The advantages of inducing labor before the due date might save some babies’ lives, but the negative aspects are the medicalization of normal pregnancies and a risk of negative consequences for mother and baby in the short- and long-term perspective [Our study confirms earlier research that obese and severe obese women have a higher risk of having severe obstetric and baby complications [In the Stillbirth Lancet series, researchers identify overweight and obesity as important modifiable risk factors for stillbirth and stress that action is needed for prevention [When investigating the 21 healthcare regions in Sweden, differences are seen in the guidelines for the management of women who are overweight and obese, when registered at a maternity clinic [