Having a Healthy Pregnancy

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Many plus-sized women are able to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, despite the increased risk for complications.  There are some steps that can be taken to reduce those risks.

• Pre-pregnancy weight reduction:
• Losing even just 5-7% of your weight (approximately 10-12 pounds) can greatly reduce the risks associated with obesity and pregnancy
• Studies have shown that women who reduced their BMI by as little as two units decreased the risk for larger than gestational age infants by 40%
• This also reduces the risk for gestational diabetes and increases the likelihood that the mother can deliver vaginally rather than by c-section
• Adhere to the Institute of Medicine’s recommended pregnancy weight gain guidelines while still maintaining good nutrition:
• 12.5-18.0 kg for those who are underweight before pregnancy
• 11.5-16.0 kg for those who are at a healthy weight before pregnancy
• 7.0-11.5 kg for those who are overweight before pregnancy
• 5.0-9.0 kg for those who are obese before pregnancy
• Talk to your doctor about risks that are specific to you… based on not only your size, but also genetic factors and family history.
• Attend all of your prenatal appointments so your doctor can monitor you for signs of complications, high blood pressure, etc. 
• Live a healthier lifestyle!  Practice good nutrition and stay active.  
• You know the drill:  fruits, veggies, and physical activity.  

Healthy momsàhealthy babies

References

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  Obesity and pregnancy.  Retrieved from http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Obesity-and- Pregnancy#overweight

Ramsey, P., Schenken, R., Lockword, C., Pi-Sunyer, X., & Barss, V.  (2017). Obesity in pregnancy:  Complications and maternal management, UpToDate.   Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/obesity-in-pregnancy-complications- and-maternal-management

Squibb, L. (2014).  Pregancy, delivery, and childhood obesity.  International Journal of Childbirth Education, 29(2), 73-77.

Stewart, D.  (2015).  Plus-size and pregnancy:  Understanding and managing health risks.  Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/0_plus-size-and-pregnant- understanding- and-managing-health-ris_1504842.bc