Although weight gain and food cravings during pregnancy are normal, becoming obese during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for you and your child. Monitor your weight and junk food consumption during pregnancy to prevent health complications. Work with your obstetrician to stay healthy and create an eating plan that works for you.
Recommended Weight Gain
During pregnancy, your body increases in weight due to your baby, amniotic fluid, placenta, additional fat stores and increased fluid volume. Women of a healthy pre-pregnancy weight should gain 25 to 35 lb. during pregnancy. Overweight women should gain 15 to 25 lb., while obese women should gain only 11 to 20 lb. Eating junk food during your pregnancy promotes weight gain. Gaining more than the recommended amount of weight increases your risk of chronic disease and birth complications.
Obesity Complications
Maternal obesity increases your risk of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension and blood clots. It also hinders your ability to fight infections, which could harm your child. Obese pregnant women are at a greater risk of having a Cesarean delivery, birth complications and fetal death. Children born to obese mothers are more likely to have high birth weight, become obese and develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Junk Food
Many pregnant women experience strong cravings for unhealthy foods. Eating small portions of junk food to satisfy a craving will not likely have ill effects, but you should carefully monitor junk food consumption to prevent excessive weight gain. Eating large amounts of junk food during pregnancy may increase the risk of your child becoming obese. Avoid drinking heavily caffeinated beverages, which can cause problems for your developing baby.
Considerations
Work with a physician to create a healthy eating plan that helps you keep your weight gain in check. Some medical professionals believe that obese women who become pregnant should limit their pregnancy weight gain as much as possible. To control cravings for junk food, substitute healthier alternatives to lower your calorie and fat intake. For example, eat low-fat frozen yogurt instead of ice cream or baked chips in place of potato chips.
References
- CBS News; Pregnancy + Junk Food = Obese Kids?; May 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pregnancy Complications
- ABC News; Perils of Pregnancy: Obesity and Advanced Age; Susan Donaldson James; Feb. 2011
- St. Louis Today; Obesity and Pregnancy Guidelines Stir Debate; Michelle Munz; July 2011
- Baby Center; Six Healthy Fixes for Pregnancy Junk Food Cravings; Nov. 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Pregnancy Weight Gain: What's Healthy?; May 2011
