Pregnant women who are obese require more medical services and extended hospital stays for delivery, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Entering pregnancy at a healthy weight is crucial for the health of mom and baby. A balanced diet and physical activity both before and during pregnancy are keys to success.
Recommended Weight Gain
The weight at which a woman enters pregnancy determines the recommended weight gain. A woman with a body mass index, or BMI, in the normal range would aim to gain 25 to 35 lb over the course of the pregnancy; a woman with a low BMI and considered underweight would aim to gain 28 to 40 lb; and a woman with a high BMI and considered overweight would have a target of 15 to 25 lb, says the March of Dimes. Weight gain recommendations would be adjusted if a woman was pregnant with multiples. The goal is to gain weight at a slow, consistent pace regardless of the specific weight gain recommendation.
Risks of Obesity
There are many risks for an obese woman during pregnancy and for the baby. Potential complications for the mother include cesarean delivery and developing gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. Risks to the baby include excessive weight gain and the development of diabetes later in life, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While many of these complications and risks can be treated or reversed following delivery, it is better to aim to prevent the development both during the current pregnancy and for future pregnancies.
Managing Weight
The goal for weight management during pregnancy is to enter pregnancy at a healthy weight. So women should try to lose weight prior to becoming pregnant as it becomes unsafe to try to lose weight once pregnant. It is important to consult a doctor for help in determining a healthy target weight, according to the March of Dimes.
Eat Well
In order to lose weight, more calories need to be burned in physical activity than consumed. Cutting back on foods that are high in fat and sugar, skipping second helpings, splitting food with friends and skipping sugared beverages are great ways to decrease caloric intake. Limit your caffeine intake, quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol also prove important practices both for conception and during pregnancy.
Be Active
Engage in physical activity at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Walk whenever possible and always take the stairs, suggests the March of Dimes. Try exercises like swimming, yoga, tai chi, or dancing and prior to pregnancy to get yourself into shape. Activity should continue during the pregnancy, under the supervision of a doctor. Encourage the baby's father to join in the activity before, during and after pregnancy so the entire family can remain healthy and stress-free together. Remember too that regular exercise not only helps with physical health, but can aid in stress reduction and maintenance of emotional health. High levels of stress can lead to early labor and a baby with a low-birth weight. Taking care of your health remains one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.
