Your health status before conception is just as important as your health during pregnancy. A woman who is overweight or obese before pregnancy may be at risk of complications once she conceives. The American Pregnancy Association recommends trying to achieve a healthy weight before you attempt to conceive as part of healthy, pre-pregnancy planning. Work with your physician to determine the ideal and realistic pre-pregnancy weight that is best for you.
Appropriate Weight
The American Pregnancy Association explains that your body mass index, or BMI, is a starting point for determining a healthy weight range. BMI compares your weight and height ratio to determine your risk factors for obesity. A BMI less than 18.5 is considered underweight while a BMI of 18.5 to 25 is considered average weight. A BMI between 26 and 29 indicates you may be overweight, while a BMI over 29 indicates obesity. Your physician may use your BMI to determine how much weight you'll need to gain during pregnancy.
Complications
Women who are obese have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. Obesity increases demand on the cardiovascular system. Pregnancy only increases this demand more. You may suffer from high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. Obesity also increases your risk of gestational diabetes, or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This may cause your baby to have a high birth weight and increase your risk of delivering by Cesarean section.
Your baby may also face complications if you are obese when you become pregnant. The National Institutes of Health states that obese women are more likely to deliver babies with congenital heart defects than women of healthy weight. Losing weight before pregnancy reduces this risk, according to the NIH. Babies born to overweight mothers are more likely to be obese or suffer from diabetes later in life, as well.
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating may help you achieve a more appropriate weight while boosting your prenatal nutritional status. Choose fresh, whole foods when possible, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Avoid heavily processed foods that may be high in fat, sodium, sugar and calories. Your physician may recommend an eating plan based on your BMI and current health status.
Exercise
Exercise, in addition to a healthy diet, is important for achieving a healthy pre-pregnancy weight. Exercise helps burn calories and builds muscle. Healthy strong muscles are helpful during pregnancy for balance, stamina and the work of giving birth. The American Pregnancy Association recommends starting an exercise regime before pregnancy, on advice of your physician.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Pregnancy and Healthy Weight; November 2010
- American Pregnancy Association: Pre-Conception Health for Women; March 2007
- Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System: A survey for healthier babies in New Jersey: Pre-Pregnancy Weight Status and Pregnancy Weight Gain
- What to Expect: Eating Well During Pregnancy: Understanding your BMI
