Obese women have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. For example, obese pregnant women more often develop gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says. Further, the higher a woman's BMI, the more likely she will require a Caesarean delivery. For this reason, ACOG encourages doctors to discuss these risks with their patients and encourage weight loss to promote healthy pregnancies and babies. Weight loss prior to pregnancy is the same as weight loss at any other time. However, the motivating factor of becoming a mother may be just what you need to get in gear.
Weight-loss Goals
Once you decide to embark on a weight-loss plan with the goal of having a baby, visit with your OB/GYN or another childbirth specialist to discuss your weight and health and how it may affect a future pregnancy. Ask specifically how losing weight will affect the health of a pregnancy and your baby and how much weight you should lose. Using this advice, set a goal weight you must hit before you try to conceive.
Diet Changes
Any safe and effective weight-loss plan involves changes to how you eat. That's because losing weight involves burning more calories than you consume, Medline Plus says. One of the most effective ways to do this is to reduce the number of calories you eat. A healthy eating plan focuses on increased consumption of fresh produce, whole grains and low-fat or no-fat dairy products along with reduced intake of fats, cholesterol, salts and added sugars and sweeteners, the Weight-Control Information Network advises. Your doctor or a nutritionist can help you look at the foods you eat and make changes to encourage promote weight loss.
Physical Activity
The second component of an effective weight-loss program is exercise and physical activity. To lose weight, you need to get moving so you can burn off more calories. Start by making simple changes, such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator or parking your car farther away, the National Library of Medicine suggests. For the best results, though, commit to exercising regularly, preferably engaging in moderate or vigorous activities as well as muscle-strengthening activities. Find activities that interest you to keep you motivated. And consider doing several activities, such as biking, hiking, dancing or skating, so you don't get burnt out and lose interest.
Weight Gain and Pregnancy
Once you've successfully lost some weight to make your pregnancy safer, you'll need to have a good understanding of safe and healthy weight gain during pregnancy. All women should gain weight during pregnancy, but the amount depends on how much you weigh prior to conception. Women who at a healthy weight for their height should gain between 25 lbs. and 35 lbs., ACOG recommends. Women who are overweight should gain 15 lbs. to 25 lbs., while obese women should gain only 15 lbs. Your childbirth practitioner can advise you on how best to manage your diet and exercise during pregnancy to keep your weight gain in these recommended ranges.
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