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Preconception Care: Obesity and pregnancy: Know the risks

A high body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy can have several health implications for you and your baby. First of all, let's understand obesity and body mass index (BMI).

What is called being obese?

If your BMI is 30 and above, you are obese. A quick guide for your reference is:

BMI Body Status

Below 18.5 Underweight

18.5-24.9 Normal

25.0-29.9 Overweight

30.0 and higher Obesity

To measure your BMI, note down your most recent height and weight. Now, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches square and multiply the result by 703. Alternatively, you can also divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters square. There, you have your BMI!

Will a high BMI impact my preconception health too?

Indeed, having a high BMI can impact your fertility by obstructing the regular ovulation cycle. Even for women with regular ovulation cycles, a higher BMI indicates more time required to get pregnant. Several studies prove that obesity can be directly linked to higher rates of miscarriage, stillbirth and recurrent miscarriages. A high BMI also reduces your chance of holding a pregnancy through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Thus, if you are willing to get pregnant, it's better to visit a healthcare provider and take measures to reduce your BMI, before moving forward with conception.

What are the health risks that I can develop during pregnancy?

Being overweight and obese can have several health implications during pregnancy, like:

Gestational diabetes

  • Requiring a caesarean section or C-section
  • C-section complications like wound infections
  • Longer recovery time is needed
  • Preeclampsia – high blood pressure during pregnancy
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Cardiac dysfunction

Impact on the baby

  • Your obesity can also affect your baby with risks like:
  • Birth defects
  • Childhood obesity
  • Asthma
  • Foetal Macrosomia
  • Impaired growth

Will my healthcare provider talk to me about obesity?

Your healthcare provider will definitely monitor your pregnancy closely if you have a BMI of 30 or higher. They can recommend several tests like:

  • Screening for obstructive sleep apnea
  • Obstetrical fetal ultrasound
  • Early diagnosis of gestational diabetes

How can I promote a healthy pregnancy with a high BMI?

Even though obesity can have a major impact on the health of your baby, you can ensure a better lifestyle by taking certain steps like:

  • Have a preconception appointment with the registered dietitian who may help you reach a healthy weight goal before you get pregnant.
  • Be in constant touch with your healthcare provider and seek regular prenatal care for any medical condition that you may have.
  • Regulate your diet and include more quantity of iron, calcium, protein, folic acid and other essential nutrients.
  • Consult a fitness expert for staying physically active with simple exercises like walking, running and swimming.
  • Quit alcohol or any such drugs.

Having a high BMI can be a risk factor but that shouldn't stop you from being a powerful mother! Take charge to make a change in yourself now and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

Sources:
American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsJohn Hopkins Medicine
Mayo Clinic
CDC
NHS