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Translating evidence into best clinical practiceTranslating evidence into best clinical practice
Department of Health
Obesity in pregnancy Clinical Guideline Presentation v4.0
45 minutes
Towards your CPD Hours
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References: The Queensland Clinical Guideline: Obesity in pregnancy is the primary reference for this package. Recommended citation: Queensland Clinical Guidelines. Obesity in pregnancy: Clinical guideline education presentation E15.14-1-V4-R20. Queensland Health. 2015. Disclaimer: This presentation is an implementation tool and should be used in conjunction with the published guideline. This information does not supersede or replace the guideline. Consult the guideline for further information and references. Feedback and contact details: M: GPO Box 48 Brisbane QLD 4001 | E: [email protected] | URL: www.health.qld.gov.au/qcg Funding: Queensland Clinical Guidelines is supported by the Queensland Health, Healthcare Innovation and Research Branch. Copyright: © State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2015 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 3.0 Australia licence. In essence, you are free to copy and communicate the work in its current form for non-commercial purposes, as long as you attribute the Queensland Clinical Guidelines Program, Queensland Health and abide by the licence terms. You may not alter or adapt the work in any way. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/au/deed.en For further information contact Queensland Clinical Guidelines, RBWH Post Office, Herston Qld 4029, email [email protected], phone (+61) 07 3131 6777. For permissions beyond the scope of this licence contact: Intellectual Property Officer, Queensland Health, GPO Box 48, Brisbane Qld 4001, email [email protected], phone (07) 3234 1479.
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Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres (kg/m2)
• Calculate BMI at entry to care ◦ Use pre-pregnancy weight if known ◦ Use first weight if unknown
• Ethnic variations on health risk ◦ Asian: at lower BMI ◦ Polynesian at higher BMI
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Classification of BMI
Classification BMI (kg/m2) Underweight <18.5 Normal 18.5–24.9 Overweight 25–29.9 Obese I 30–34.9 Obese II 35–39.9 Obese III ≥ 40 Extreme (as per QCG guideline) ≥ 50
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Referral and transfer
• Plan care in consultation with the woman
• Use local criteria for transfer based on BMI
• Ideally, determine the need for transfer prior to onset of labour Queensland Clinical Guideline: Obesity in pregnancy 5
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If recommendations declined
• If transfer or other care recommendations declined: ◦ Ensure the woman understands the risks,
concerns and possible scenarios ◦ Conduct an individual risk assessment and
formulate a risk management plan ◦ Document clear and detailed record of all
conversations
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Risks in pregnancy
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• Obese women more likely to be single, of lower socio-economic status and to smoke
• Obesity is more prevalent in Indigenous women
• The higher the pre-pregnancy BMI, the greater the associated risk of maternal and neonatal complications
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Risks Antenatal Intra/postpartum and neonatal Preeclampsia Anaesthetic difficulties
Thromboembolic disease VBAC less likely
Diagnosis of congenital abnormalities
Operative /caesarean birth more likely
Diabetes Reduced breastfeeding
Maternal mortality Wound infections
Obstructive sleep disorder Postpartum haemorrhage
Preterm birth Thromboembolic disease
Depression Macrosomia
Difficulties with abdominal assessment Neurodevelopmental disorders
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Planning pregnancy
• Provide pre-conceptual counselling about: ◦ The benefits of weight optimisation before and
between pregnancies ◦ Risks associated with obesity in pregnancy ◦ Stabilising weight loss prior to conception to
avoid impact of weight loss on fetus • Routinely offer referral to dietitian services • Screen for hypertension and Type 2
diabetes (especially if previous GDM)
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Supplements
• Recommend Folic Acid 5 mg daily until end of the first trimester ◦ Obese women have lower levels
of folate • Obese women are at increased
risk of Vitamin D deficiency
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Antenatal care
• Develop an individual care plan that identifies: ◦ Schedule of visits ◦ Referrals required (dietician, anaesthetist,
lactation consultant, mobility assessment, other specialist/s)
◦ Intended place of birth
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Previous bariatric surgery
• Ascertain and document the type of bariatric surgery
• Routinely use a multi-disciplinary health care approach (refer to dietitian)
• High index of suspicion for complications which may present as common pregnancy complaints
• Continue nutritional supplements and consider evaluation of deficiencies
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Assessment
• Comprehensive history • Assess for risk factors of preeclampsia • Test for diabetes at the initial visit • Establish baseline renal and liver
function • Actively assess risk of VTE • Early anaesthetic assessment if BMI
> 40 kg/m2
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Weight measurement
• Weigh at each antenatal visit • Review the pattern and rate of gain
relative to desired GWG
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Pre-pregnancy BMI Gain/week trimester 2+3 Total gain (kg)
< 18.5 0.45 kg 12.5 to 18 18.5 to 24.9 0.45 kg 11.5 to 16 25.0 to 29.9 0.28 kg 7 to 11.5 ≥ 30.0 0.22 kg 5 to 9
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Psychosocial support
• Provide information about impact of obesity on pregnancy
• Offer referral and support for adoption of a healthy lifestyle
• Maintain awareness that depression is a key determinant for weight gain/obesity
• Reflect on own attitudes to the care of obese women
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Fetal surveillance
• Obesity can limit the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical and ultrasound examinations
• Growth scan at 28-32 weeks gestation to aid detection of late onset fetal growth restriction
• Consider serial scanning if growth issues
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Nutrition
• Follow nutritional advice as per Australian Dietary Guidelines
• Routinely offer nutritional consultation (ideally with a dietitian)
• Encourage adherence to target weight gains
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Physical activity
• Recommend 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week
• Individually assess and discuss contraindications and indications to stop physical activity
• Discuss modifications to physical activity as pregnancy progresses
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Mode and timing of birth
• Successful VBAC less likely • Early anaesthetic involvement needed • Higher incidence of induction of labour (IOL)
and failed IOL • Obesity alone is not an indication for elective
caesarean section or IOL, but a lower threshold for IOL at term due to the increased risk of stillbirth may be appropriate
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Intrapartum care
• Use a team approach with frequent communication between care providers
• Early notification of anaesthetist and theatre staff when obese women in labour
• Ensure bariatric equipment available
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Intrapartum
• Continuous fetal monitoring if BMI > 40 kg/m2
• Consider internal fetal monitoring if external monitoring trace unsatisfactory
• Water immersion is not recommended if BMI > 35 kg/m2
• Maintain an awareness for increased risk of PPH
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Caesarean section
• Ensure sufficiently skilled, experienced and credentialled staff available
• Consider: ◦ Requirement for procedures and devices to
elevate the panniculus ◦ Use of negative pressure dressings on closure ◦ Suturing of the subcutaneous tissue space ◦ Higher dose antibiotics for routine prophylaxis
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Postpartum care
• More frequent clinical observation due to increased risk of: ◦ Aspiration from airway compromise and/or
obstructive sleep apnoea ◦ Infection (chest, urinary, wound or breast)
• Actively assess requirement for VTE prophylaxis
• Encourage early mobilisation ◦ Consider pressure area care
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Breastfeeding
• Less likely to initiate with reduced duration and exclusivity
• Refer to lactation consultant • Provide early postpartum
feeding support • Time discharge to assist
establishment of breast- feeding
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Discharge
• Encourage postpartum weight management
• Provide information about the benefits of inter-pregnancy weight loss
• If hormonal contraception used, conduct a risk assessment for VTE
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