Being pregnant and being obese can adversely affect you and your baby. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help ensure a safe delivery for both of you.
Know the Risks of Obesity
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, obesity (having a body mass index or BMI of 30 or more) puts you at increased risk of several pregnancy-related complications, including:
- Gestational diabetes
- Urinary tract and postpartum infections
- Protein in the urine and high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy (preeclampsia)
- Prematurity or stillbirth
- Problems with labor
- C-sections and an increased risk of post-operative complications
In addition to threats to your own health, obesity carries risks for your baby, most notably an increased risk of having a birth defect, such as a heart condition, a problem with the brain or spinal cord (neural tube defect), and an abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain.
Obese women also are more likely to deliver a baby who is slightly larger than normal, and studies have shown that these babies have a greater risk of childhood obesity.
Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy
Your doctor will closely monitor your pregnancy and work with you to safeguard your health and that of your developing baby.
Some things you may expect:
- Testing for gestational diabetes earlier than women of normal weight
- More frequent prenatal visits as your pregnancy progresses
- Nutrition counseling to improve your eating habits and avoid excessive weight gain
- A consultation for anesthesia, should you need it for labor or to prepare for the likelihood of a C-section
Although obesity during pregnancy has risks, they can be minimized if you work with your healthcare provider and prepare for issues that we know are likely to develop. Your pregnancy can be an ideal time for you to begin to address your weight.
By eating properly during your pregnancy and being active, you can set the stage for weight loss after your baby is born and before you attempt another pregnancy.