When a woman is pregnant and obese, both she and her baby face risks for medical problems, some of which can be life-threatening. Developing healthy eating habits and working toward a healthy weight are critical to ensuring the best possible outcome of the pregnancy. A pregnant woman should not diet in the traditional sense of the word because this can limit the intake of nutrients she and her baby need. Rather, she needs to be coached to pack each bite with as much healthy nutrition and as little junk as possible.
Encourage Healthy Development by Healthy Eating
Step 1
Teach which foods are good and necessary and which are not. Both mother and baby need a balanced diet full of varied fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, unsaturated plant-based fats, fiber and calcium. Refined grains, most processed foods and foods high in sugar and saturated fats should be avoided. The development of the baby's organs and bones depend on obtaining sufficient nutrients from the mother.
Step 2
Explain that she may need to eat more, not less. Increased caloric needs during pregnancy may mean that she actually needs to eat more of certain foods. A pregnant woman needs to consume about 300 extra calories per day, although this depends on her starting weight. She should consult with her physician about her specific nutritional needs during these nine months given her current weight.
Step 3
Warn about the dangers of obesity to her own health. Obese women face an increased risk for various health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure, that can start or worsen during pregnancy. These conditions can lead to long-term health complications for her and in severe cases, can even cause death. Such health conditions also decrease the woman's enjoyment of the pregnancy and increase her worry about the baby's health, exacting a mental toll as well.
Step 4
Alert the mother to potential delivery complications and health consequences for the newborn from maternal obesity. The rate of preterm delivery and the need for a surgical delivery is higher for obese women than for women of a healthy weight. Preterm babies face a host of potentially severe and life-threatening health problems. Babies born to overweight women also are at increased risk for birth defects, lower IQ and infant mortality.
Step 5
Applaud her efforts and encourage continued healthy eating. Positive reinforcement can do wonders toward reaching the desired outcome. Explain that every good choice she makes for herself and the baby helps lead to a healthy mother and baby. Remind her that she still has several months to change her eating habits for the better and that all hope is not lost.
Tips and Warnings
- Check with your physician about any dietary needs specific to your condition.
