Pregnancy Complications and Being Overweight

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Overweight and obesity raise the risk of pregnancy complications for both mother and baby. Pregnant women who are overweight or obese may have an increased risk for:

• Gestational diabetes - high blood sugar during pregnancy
• Pre-eclampsia - high blood pressure during pregnancy that can cause severe problems for both mother and baby if left untreated
• Cesarean delivery or complications with cesarean delivery

Babies of overweight or obese mothers have an increased risk of:

• Neural tube defects (defects of the brain and spinal cord)
• Stillbirth
• Prematurity
• Being large for gestational age

Being Overweight

Pregnant women who are overweight are more likely to develop:

• Insulin resistance - Insulin resistance is when cells do not respond properly to the hormone insulin, which carries blood sugar to cells for energy. It may result in high levels of blood sugar.
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure

Overweight also increases the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, and severe obesity increases operative time and blood loss.

Some studies have shown that gaining excess weight during pregnancy - even without becoming obese - may increase risks. It is important to consult with your obstetrician or other health care provider about how much weight to gain during pregnancy.

Weight Loss

Women who are overweight or obese and want to become pregnant should speak with their doctor about losing weight before becoming pregnant being physically active during pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy weight loss significantly reduces pregnancy complications.

Losing excess weight after delivery may help women reduce their health risks. If a woman developed gestational diabetes, losing weight will lower her risk of developing diabetes later in life.

[Anonymous Bot]