Obesity is a worldwide health sorun and it is spreading with a frightening pace among pregnant and fertility age women. World Health Organization classification of obesity is based on Body Mass Index. Overweight and obese pregnant women are recommended to gain less weight during pregnancy. Obesity increases the risks of maternal complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia and emergency cesarian sections and fetal complications such as prematurity, still birth, congenital abnormalities, macrosomia, bebek and adolescent obesity. In addition intrapartum and intraoperative risks are elevated in obese women. Shoulder dystocia, increased risk of excessive bleeding, greater operation times, venous thromboembolism and wound infections are some probable complications in obese patients. Anesthesia management is more complicated as well. Distorted anatomical landmarks, abundance of adipose tissue and difficulties in proper positioning may give rise to technical difficulties to administer epidural or spinal anesthesia. Excessive tissue and edema may lead to difficult endotracheal intubation further complicating the scene with intraoperative respiratory events. Weight regulation in pre-pregnancy visits, strict weight gain control beginning with early pregnancy, taking precautions for anticipated risks during labor and cesarian section and discussing all these steps with the patient are crucial.

Keywords: obesity, pregnancy, complications