What role does maternal obesity play in pregnancy outcomes?

Maternal obesity significantly influences pregnancy outcomes, and one of its critical impacts is the increased risk of complications such as gestational diabetes. Obesity can lead to insulin resistance, which elevates the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes—a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels that can cause various health issues for both the mother and the baby.

Gestational diabetes can lead to complications such as macrosomia (larger than average baby), preterm birth, and increased chances of cesarean delivery. Furthermore, it can also raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the mother later in life and may negatively affect the child's health longer term.

Other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between maternal obesity and pregnancy outcomes. For instance, suggesting that maternal obesity has no effect on pregnancy outcomes overlooks the well-documented risks associated with excess weight during pregnancy. Similarly, stating that it can reduce the chance of multiple births does not align with research, as obesity can actually affect fertility and lead to an increased incidence of multiple gestations in some contexts. Lastly, while maternal obesity can influence hormonal levels, the assertion that it directly increases hormonal levels in the fetus oversimplifies the complex hormonal environment during pregnancy. Therefore, recognizing the potential for maternal obesity to lead to complications