One of the most important factors for having a healthy baby is being a healthy mother. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, you should take steps to be as healthy as possible before conceiving. Women who are obese have an increased risk of several pregnancy complications. Know how losing weight before pregnancy can help protect both you and your baby.
Obesity Rates
More American women are obese or overweight than ever before. Sixty-four percent of women are overweight or obese and more than one out of three are obese. Obesity increases your risk for multiple health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These chronic health problems can influence your baby's growth and development, from egg to newborn and beyond. If you lose even 10 to 20 lbs, you can reduce your risk of health problems.
Birth Defects
Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of having babies with certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects. Neural tube defects affect the development of the growing fetus' spine and brain and can result in problems such as spina bifida. Adequate folic acid early in pregnancy can protect your baby from developing a neural tube defect, and if you are planning pregnancy or are newly pregnant, you should take 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
Health Problems
Obese women have a higher risk of medical complications with pregnancy, including diabetes. The March of Dimes estimates that one-third of women with pre-existing diabetes are unaware that they are diabetic. Undiagnosed diabetes in early pregnancy increases your risk of having a miscarriage or having a baby with birth defects. Obese pregnant women are also more likely to experience a preterm birth, high blood pressure and cesarean section.
Healthy Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight before pregnancy, choose a healthy weight loss plan. You need to eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Folate is a natural form of folic acid found in leafy green vegetables and whole grains which, in addition to reducing your risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect, protects you from becoming anemic. Avoid crash weight loss plans that rob your body of needed nutrition. Discuss your weight loss goal and plans for pregnancy with your midwife or doctor.
