While many believe obeseexpectant mothers are more likely to have a baby suffering from a birth defect, a new study voices doubt over this belief.
Previous studies had reported that diabetes is the main underlying cause contributing to birth defects such as spina bifida, cleft palate and heart defects in the offspring of obese mothers.
According to the study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, there is no association between a mothers' obesity and the risk of any major birth defects.
Diabetes, conversely, may strengthen the association, the study found.
Women diagnosed with diabetes before becoming pregnant were reported to be four times more likely to give birth to a baby with a birth defect.
"We have known for some time that women who have pre-gestational diabetes have a reduction in the rate of congenital anomalies with improvement in (blood sugar) control in the pre-conception period and during pregnancy," said lead researcher Joseph R. Biggio, Jr.
High levels of HbA1C, a measure to assess blood sugar control over several months, is believed to be an accurate factor to estimate the absolute risk of developing birth defects.
Scientists, therefore, urge women to control their blood sugar levels before becoming pregnant.
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