Scientists from the University of Cape Town have found that maternal obesity negatively affects the condition of the placenta. The team’s research has been published magazine Journal of Physiology.
71 women participated in the study, 52 of whom were obese and 38 had diabetes. The scientists conducted a deep structural study and molecular analysis of the placenta, and also conducted a biochemical analysis of cord blood.
The researchers found that maternal obesity more than diabetes impairs placental formation, negatively affects the density and area of blood vessels, and reduces the ability to transfer nutrients from mother to child.
The changes were even stronger than gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Both obesity and diabetes are associated with numerous maternal and fetal health complications and an increased risk of fetal death.