✓ Obesity in pregnancy

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Obesity in pregnancy

Obesity during pregnancy increases the possibility of various complications, including the gestational diabetes.

To find out if you are obese, talk to your doctor and use the weight calculator BMI.

In the case of obesity in pregnancy, it is important to have all the checks and to go to all the doctor's visits, so that the gynecologist can monitor your health and that of the baby. Let's find out more about it.

Weight in pregnancy

If you are obese (and therefore have a BMI of 30 or higher) and pregnant, do not try to lose weight during pregnancy. This will not reduce the possibility of various complications.

The best way to protect yourself and your baby's health is go to all antenatal appointments. In this way the midwife, doctor and any other health professional (who follows you) can help you in case of any problems and take correct measures to prevent or manage them.

Obesity in pregnancy, nutrition and exercise

It is important that the expectant mother follows one healthy and balanced diet and what to do physical activity everyday. For advice on healthy eating and exercise, it is advisable to consult a specialized dietician or other health professional experienced in sports to do during pregnancy.

Being physically active, in a moderate way, during pregnancy will not harm the baby. Try to eat healthily (obviously avoiding foods not recommended during pregnancy) and doing light physical activities such as walking or swimming.

If you weren't active prior to pregnancy, it's a good idea to consult with your midwife or doctor before starting a new exercise plan.

Read also: Gymnastics exercises to get back in shape in 4 weeks

Obesity in pregnancy, tests

If you are obese in pregnancy, you will be offered to take a test for gestational diabetes.

You may also be addressed by a anesthetist, in order to discuss issues such as possible ways to relieve pain during labor. In fact, with obesity you are more likely to have one suction cup delivery o scissors or with Caesarean section and it can be difficult to administer an epidural.

Talk to your midwife or your doctor various possible options for childbirth. They may advise you to give birth in a hospital where there may be easier access to medical care (should you need it).

Read also: Cesarean section, all you need to know

Overweight in pregnancy, possible problems during pregnancy and childbirth

If mom is overweight in pregnancy, she may be more at risk for complications. The higher the mom's BMI, the greater the chance of complications related to:

miscarriage,
gestational diabetes,
hypertension and preeclampsia,
blood clots,
baby's shoulder dystocia during labor (baby's shoulder 'hangs'),
heavier-than-normal bleeding after delivery.

It is also more likely to need a childbirth with forceps or suction cup or a cut caesarean of urgency.

Overweight in pregnancy, possible problems for the baby

Problems for the child can include:

la premature birth (before 37 weeks),
and a major possibility of death at birth.

There is also a greater chance that the little one has a health problem, such as a neural tube defect (spina bifida).

Finally, it should be remembered that although the odds of these problems increase with obesity, most of them nonetheless pregnancies will be successful, resulting in the birth of a healthy baby.