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Obesity and Pregnancy
by Beverley Brooke
If you are overweight when you become pregnant, your physician
will likely recommend that you gain less weight than a woman
who is average or normal weight.
Looking for something else?
You should not diet during
pregnancy because it is vital that you supply your body and
unborn baby with an adequate number of nutrients. What you can
do however to minimize your weight gain is to ensure that you
eat a healthy selection of foods during your pregnancy.
One of the best things you can do to avoid too much weight
gain is ensure that you have a healthy selection of snacks
handy for times when hunger strikes. Think about things
like yogurt, raisins, nuts, fruit and other healthy selections
that are not only convenient but also taste good.
Being overweight or obese
increases the risk of certain health conditions during pregnancy. Among these are included:
Pre-eclampsia
Premature Birth
Gestational Diabetes
Caesarean Sections
Giving Birth to Children with Obesity Problems
Unfortunately women who are already overweight prior to
pregnancy are more likely to gain excessive amounts of weight
during pregnancy. Several studies have suggested that more than
80 percent of overweight and obese women will gain too much
weight, defined as weight exceeding 40 pounds or more, during
their pregnancy.
Women who are obese and give birth are also more at risk for
maternal mortality during labor and delivery. The cesarean rates
are often higher because labor fails to progress in a timely
fashion.
Did you know that gaining more than the recommended amount of
weight during pregnancy also puts you at risk of being overweight
several years after pregnancy?
Babies born to mothers that are overweight might also experience
a number of health problems. Those most often cited by studies
include an increased risk of congenital heart defects and a
greater risk of neural tube defects.
The best thing you can do for yourself and the health of your
unborn child is maintain a healthy weight prior to becoming
pregnant. If you are overweight, work with your healthcare
provider or a nutritionist to come up with a sound dietary regimen
that will ensure that you gain an appropriate amount of weight for
maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Adopting healthy habits during
your pregnancy often results in a 'carry over' effect, meaning you
are more likely to eat healthily after giving birth, as well as before.
