By Alise Robers, Recent Arizona State University Nutrition Student
Most healthy woman expect their pregnancies will proceed normally and they will go home with a happy and healthy baby. However, this is not the case for all women due to health problems brought on or developed throughout pregnancy. Having excess amounts of body fat is a main concern because of its association with negative metabolic changes2. To be considered overweight you will have a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29.9. Being obese is defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater. If your BMI is 30 or higher before pregnancy than you are at a greater risk for several serious health problems that can affect you and the baby. 2 These health risks include increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose levels, low levels of HDL-cholesterol, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and sleep apnea.1,2
Let’s talk about diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading complications in pregnancy, and the prevalence increases along with obesity (excess body fat), an unhealthy diet, and low physical activity.1 The women who develop gestational diabetes often are coming into the pregnancy with an insulin resistance, have a predisposition to insulin resistance or have impaired insulin reduction.2 Gestational diabetes is first diagnosed during pregnancy and woman who have it are more likely to have diabetes in the future.1,2 Risks for the mother include caesarean delivery, increased risk of preeclampsia, increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes or hypertension later in life, and hypoglycemia.2 Risks for the infant include congenital anomalies, stillbirth, neonatal hypoglycemia and increased risk of high blood pressure or obesity later in life. 2 When you have gestational diabetes, managing your nutrition is important! Below are a few ways to help prevent this from affecting your pregnancy.
- Eat whole-grain bread, vegetables, and high fiber foods
- Have protein at every meal (this will help you feel full, get enough protein for you and your baby, as well as, control your blood sugar)
- Limit your intake of simple sugars
- Moderate exercise (try biking, walking, hiking, or swimming)
- Monitor weight gain and dietary intake to ensure you’re getting the calories needed to meet both maternal and fetal needs for energy while your limiting increases in blood glucose levels.
How does obesity affect labor and delivery?
Due to the excess weight, it can be harder to monitor the infant during labor. It is common for overweight women to have longer labors and cesarean deliveries. 1
Is a healthy pregnancy still possible?
Yes, obese or overweight women can have a healthy pregnancy as long as close attention is paid to diet and exercise and regular prenatal care is given to monitor any complications.
Lose weight safely
To prevent the obese related pregnancy risks try implementing a diet and exercise routine before becoming pregnant. If it’s too late for that then pregnancy is a good time to get started! Finding a happy balance between eating healthy foods and staying at a healthy weight is not only important for you but your baby as well. Planning nutrient dense meals during pregnancy can be done with the help of the Choose My Plate website. Exercising is just as important for your health and should be done all days of the week. If you are new to exercising then take it slow and start with 5 minutes a day and add on another 5 minutes each week. The goal should be up to 30 minutes a day (only if you have the OK from your doctor).
References:
- “Women’s Health Care Physicians.” Obesity and Pregnancy- ACOG. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Obesity-and-Pregnancy.
- Brown, Judith E. “Nutrition During Pregnancy.” Nutrition Through the Life Cycle. 5th Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2014. 139-141. Print.
- “Obesity Information.” American Heart Association, 2014. Web. 2017. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/WeightManagement/Obesity/Obesity-Information_UCM_307908_Article.jsp#.WPgUSlMrIU0
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