Being Overweight During Pregnancy

Wondering how being overweight affect your pregnancy? Being overweight has become a serious health risk for many women in the United States.  Over 60 percent of women are considered overweight, and this condition can have a negative effect on your wellbeing and fertility. By reading this article, you’ll find ways on how to maintain a healthy weight to avoid complications during pregnancy.

Doctors and fitness experts recommend that you should check your Body Mass Index (BMI) regularly to see if you are at an appropriate weight for your height. You are overweight if your BMI is between 25 to 29.9; obese if it is greater than 30. And the normal weight ranges from 18.5 to 25. If you have plans on getting pregnant soon, it is important that you’re well-informed of the dangers that being overweight or obese during pregnancy can bring to you and your future baby.

What are the potential problems that you may if you are overweight?

• Higher risk of acquiring urinary infections
• It would be harder to look for your baby during ultrasounds because of the extra fatty layers. 
• Hormonal exchange deficiencies and miscarriage
• Development of Gestational Diabetes  and Hypertension
• Risk of getting Preeclampsia (toxicosis)
• Increased risk of having a larger baby (Macrosomia)
• Backaches and development of Varicose Veins

Potential threats during childbirth:

• Heightened risk of having  Caesarian Section rather than vaginal birth
•  It can affect the selection of anesthesia during labor
• Having a longer labor
• Heavy bleeding after delivery of baby

Always remember that you are only allowed to gain 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy if you are at a normal weight; 15 to 25 pounds if you’re overweight; and 11 to 20 pounds if you’re obese. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal and expected.

How can you keep up a healthy weight to minimize such complications during pregnancy and childbirth?

1.       Stay active and exercise regularly to prepare yourself for labor. Do cardiovascular activities such as walking and yoga to relieve the aches of pregnancy. This will also keep your body in shape.

2.       Habitually check your Body Mass Index to keep yourself from over-eating or eating less. Act accordingly if you see that you’re gaining or losing too much weight.

3.       Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole wheat, and low-fat meals. Make sure that you and your baby are getting sufficient amounts of vitamins and nutrients.

4.       Observe your calorie intake. 2,300 to 2,400 calories a day is recommended for pregnant women.

5.       Drink lots of water to wash away the wastes in your body. Fluids can regulate your body temperature and help digestion.

6.       Avoid eating fast foods because they are high in calories but contain little nutritional values.

7.       Cut down sweets consumption because there’s a higher chance for you to acquire Diabetes if you are pregnant. Eat frozen yogurts and fruit desserts that are low in sugar instead.

Overweight is a hindrance to an enjoyable maternity. Though it is normal for pregnant women to gain weight during the process, it is necessary that they are able to control their eating habits and to carry on a healthy, dynamic lifestyle. You should be aware of the possible impact of being overweight on your body and baby. Be guided by the tips above so you could avoid diseases and childbirth difficulties, and most importantly deliver a healthy baby. Also, consult a good doctor that will check on you on a regular basis.

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