Pregnant Mothers With Obesity And PCOS At Higher Risk Of Having Smaller Babies: Study

While being overweight and having gestational diabetes typically increases the risk of giving birth to larger babies, researchers noted that women with PCOS, who often have higher BMIs, face the opposite outcome. (Credit: Image by bristekjegor on Freepik)

The health of expectant mothers can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes and the well-being of their offspring. A recent study reveals that women with obesity and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) face a higher risk of giving birth to smaller babies.

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found that, on average, babies born to mothers with PCOS face a higher risk of growth restriction. The offspring were lighter, shorter, and had smaller head circumferences at birth, and these effects were more pronounced in mothers who were obese.