Obesity is a health risk, before, during and after pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, obesity during pregnancy carries several risks for the mother and baby. For this reason, it is recommended that women control their weight prior to pregnancy and maintain a healthy weight gain during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, there are several negative effects of obesity. Obese women have a higher rate of miscarriage than women within a healthy weight range. Complications are more common in overweight women during pregnancy. These complications include gestational diabetes and pre eclampsia.
Complications are more common during delivery for obese women. Overweight women have a higher chance of needing a c section to deliver the baby. One reason for this could be that the baby grows larger than normal, making vaginal delivery more difficult. Recovery time after a c section is longer and more difficult than with a vaginal delivery.
Obesity during pregnancy can have negative effects on the baby later in life. Some studies suggest that children of women who were obese during pregnancy may be overweight in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children will eventually become obese in later childhood and into adulthood.
Your doctor will evaluate your weight gain throughout your pregnancy. In most cases, women who are obese when they become pregnant are advised to gain less weight during the pregnancy. The normal weight gain for most women is between twenty five and thirty five pounds. Overweight women are told to gain less weight. The recommended weight gain is generally between fifteen and twenty five pounds. This will depend on your weight prior to becoming pregnant.
Your doctor can suggest ways to keep you weight gain under control during your pregnancy. This is not the time to go on a crash diet. You will need to control your weight through diet and exercise. Your doctor may make suggestions for your diet to help you keep your weight gain under control. In some cases, you may be referred to a nutritionist for help.
Exercise is also important for controlling weight gain during pregnancy. For most women, exercise is safe during pregnancy. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. For more information on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, read the blog entitled: Exercise in Pregnancy.