When we think about pregnancy, we know how important a woman’s health is for a healthy pregnancy. With this, a problem that has been growing every day, pregnancy and obesity, has become a major concern for gynecologists and also for families. When a woman plans a pregnancy, she wants to do everything in the best way possible. She schedules an appointment with the gynecologist, requests tests to check if everything is well with her body and health, but the issue of weight is an alarming fact. The problem is that nowadays the vast majority are faced with an increasingly common issue: obesity, which affects 36% of women of childbearing age. And with this, pregnancy and obesity have become a great danger!
Growing Problem
You may think that a diagnosis of obesity is reserved only for extreme cases. But according to the latest research, 3 out of every 10 women are clinically obese, which means they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. BMI is a measure that compares weight and height and is the tool doctors and nutritionists use to identify obesity. Unfortunately, the percentage of women who experience pregnancy and obesity together is very high. While most women still focus on emotional and aesthetic aspects, few really understand the medical reality of obesity and especially the risks of experiencing pregnancy and obesity at the same time. A phrase that is often heard: “You can be chubby and healthy”, but the truth is, it is not possible to be obese and healthy. We are talking about a medical disorder that has major implications for pregnancy, for the baby’s health, and especially for the life of the pregnant woman.
Risks of Pregnancy With Obesity
In addition to making conception more difficult, obesity is related to a series of difficulties and risks during pregnancy and delivery. Among them are hypertension, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and even miscarriage. As a result, many need to undergo an emergency C-section due to the risks for both mother and baby.
Risks for the Baby
Babies conceived in the setting of pregnancy and obesity tend to have higher chances of developing malformations throughout the pregnancy and are at risk of death during or after birth. Many of them develop high blood pressure and obesity during childhood. Some overweight women come from a second pregnancy and attribute the weight gain to after the birth of the first child, as it is at this stage that you generally eat more and do less physical activity.
Gestational Diabetes
Women who experience pregnancy and obesity are still at risk of developing gestational diabetes. In this case, the probability of having a baby considered large is even greater, which can result in the indication of a C-section.
High Blood Pressure and Pre-eclampsia
Both high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia increase the chances an indication for a C-section. When the mother’s blood pressure rises during labor, she can suffer a stroke and the baby can be deprived of its blood supply. To avoid these consequences, the doctor has no choice but to perform a C-section to guarantee and protect the lives of both mother and baby. A C-section indicated for pregnancy and obesity is considered a bit more complicated. This is because the extra fat under the skin makes it harder to locate the vertebrae for the application of anesthesia and harder to find a vein for intravenous medications. There is also much more difficulty in transferring the patient in the event of an emergency.
I’m Overweight and Pregnant – What Should I Do?
If you are overweight or obese and don’t feel motivated to change your habits, pregnancy is the perfect moment to make an effort. It could be the motivation you need. The medical complications can also give you the perspective you need to change. For example: gestational diabetes gives you a taste of what it’s like to live every day as a diabetic. Constantly monitoring your blood sugar and facing a large number of possible medical problems. Surely after dealing with this, you might be ready to do whatever it takes to avoid it.
Is There a Pregnancy Diet?
Yes, there is a balanced diet that pregnant women can follow to control weight gain and thus protect their own health and the baby’s. If you are thinking about making a change, start slowly, taking sensible steps toward habits that will lead to gradual weight loss or control. Have a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, dairy products, and also cut out soft drinks, fried foods, and fast food. Try to eat several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large ones, and forget the saying: “eating for two.”
Do Physical Activities
Doing physical activities is one of the most important recommendations to help you at this moment. Initially, walking is a good choice! Start by walking regularly for about 15 to 30 minutes a day. This is an amount you can safely do. Other sports are great for this stage, such as swimming and water aerobics. Dance and some stretching and concentration techniques like Pilates and Yoga are also great for helping with weight loss and ensuring well-being.
The Ideal Diet for the Pregnant Woman and the Baby
Eating the right amount of foods from each of the five food groups will ensure that you and your baby get the necessary nutrients. But for this, it’s important to understand the menu. Whether you have three large meals a day or six small ones, it’s important to eat consistently. You may also be more comfortable eating small meals later in your pregnancy, as your baby puts more pressure on your abdomen. See how your diet breaks down: Grains – provide carbohydrates, your body’s main source of energy. Try to include as many whole grains as possible. They provide fiber and help relieve constipation, a common issue during pregnancy. One serving of grains is about one slice of bread, or one cup of cooked rice, cereal, or pasta. Fruits and vegetables – are sources of essential vitamins and nutrients, as well as fiber. These foods help you use iron more effectively and help your baby build tissue. One serving of vegetables can consist of one cup of dried or cooked vegetables. A medium-sized serving of fruit or a cup of fruit juice. Expectant mothers should try to eat at least one daily serving of products rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Protein – found in foods like meat, fish, and beans, and is crucial for your baby’s tissue growth. One hundred grams of lean meat, poultry, or fish are considered one serving. An egg or 1/3 cup of nuts can also count as a serving of meat. If you are vegetarian, make sure you meet your protein needs by eating eggs; tofu and other soy products like soy burgers and soy milk; and dried beans, like split peas. It is important to check with your doctor to ensure you are getting enough protein. Dairy – provides your body with the calcium needed to help build your baby’s bones and teeth. One serving of 1 cup of milk or yogurt, two small pieces of white cheese, or 80 grams of hard cheese ensure a daily calcium intake of at least 1,000 milligrams. Pregnant women who cannot eat dairy products should consult their doctor about taking a calcium supplement. Fats should be managed the same way as before pregnancy—with moderation. We’re not talking about the healthy fats found in fish and olive oil. The types you need to watch out for are foods like butter, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products. During pregnancy, fats should make up 30 percent of your daily calories. They give you energy and help your body use certain crucial vitamins.
Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy
A well-balanced diet will provide most of the nutrients you need, with two exceptions: Folic acid: this important nutrient helps reduce the risk of serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (called neural tube defects) during pregnancy, helps prevent malformations of the lips and roof of the mouth (cleft lip and palate), and is essential for supporting your baby’s rapid growth. Iron: Your need for this crucial mineral doubles during pregnancy, from 15 to 30 milligrams per day, to prevent anemia. It is especially important to take a 30-milligram supplement per day during the last two trimesters of pregnancy, when the fetus is developing rapidly and maternal blood volume increases. At the end of pregnancy, your baby is also storing iron for use in the first months of life.
Important Topic!
Many doctors say they feel uncomfortable addressing the issue of weight. Most are concerned that the pregnant woman will feel offended, and at the end of the appointment, leave looking for another doctor. But they emphasize how important it is for patients and doctors to talk about this issue. If a pregnant woman talks openly with her doctor about her weight and all the risks of pregnancy and obesity, keeping diabetes and hypertension under control is the key to having everything go well and as expected. See Also: Blood Sugar in Pregnancy – How to Care? Photos: Anna Langova, kaistachowiak