A hefty problem for the NHS

CARRYING too much weight in pregnancy can have widespread implications for the NHS.

Overweight patients often need larger sized blood pressure cuffs as using "normal" sized ones can lead to a false reading.

Seriously overweight women often need a Caesarean section which leads to increased costs.

During labour, there can be problems in administering pain relief, particularly in an epidural.

Following birth, overweight mums are at a higher risk of blood clots, therefore requiring larger than average sized support stockings and injections to help stabilise their condition.