A dramatic and worldwide increase is occurring in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of childbearing age. Obese women carry a significant excess risk of complications during pregnancy, including infertility, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, fetal macrosomia, and cesarean delivery. Furthermore, maternal obesity predisposes to obesity in the offspring, indicating that the prevention of childhood obesity should already start during pregnancy.   This book provides a timely update on the latest knowledge on maternal obesity and pregnancy. A very wide range of issues are covered, including macrosomia and associated shoulder dystocia; the risk of miscarriage, malformations, and complications of pregnancy; the impact of hyperglycemia; clinical management; consequences for anesthesia and ultrasound; impacts on breastfeeding, fertility, and childhood obesity; and pregnancy following gastric surgery.  All of the authors are recognized experts in their fields, and the book has been designed to meet the practical needs of obstetricians, gynecologists, internists, and general practitioners.