The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Pregnancy

Introduction The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of conditions such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, abdominal obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension. Each of these conditions, and, more so, their sum, has a tremendous impact on the pregnancy development and its outcomes. Methods This integrative review was written after reviewing the databases for studies on this matter published during the last two decades. Discussion During the last decade, the researchers who were studying pregnant women found a correlation between the development of preeclampsia and the subsequent risk of developing the MetS after delivery. They concluded that the number of MetSs features increases the risk of developing preeclampsia, placental dysfunction and gestational diabetes. Conclusion There are still unanswered questions as to the way these risk factors work. Whether they work in an additive or multiplicative manner remains an open question.