Is It Dangerous To Have An Overweight Pregnancy? – Being Parents

During pregnancy, it is difficult to find a part of your body that is not affected. Among the most obvious changes is weight gain. On average, a pregnant woman gains 9 to 13 kilograms. We will then analyze whether it is dangerous to have an overweight pregnancy.

Women who gain excess weight during pregnancy are at increased risk of not regaining their initial weight after childbirth.

Likewise, mothers who were overweight before pregnancy and gain weight during pregnancy have a higher risk of becoming overweight or worsening obesity.

Therefore, it is very important to take care of the condition of your health and that of the baby. The main thing in these cases is to control your weight to avoid situations which represent a certain type of risk for the mother and the child.

What are the risks of having an overweight pregnancy?

Having an overweight pregnancy can have negative consequences for the mother and the fetus. We describe them to you below:

Maternal health risks

In this first case, the risks include the development of gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia. The overweight mother has more problems with high blood pressure during pregnancy.

In addition, the risk of spontaneous miscarriage is even higher during the first trimester, and the likelihood of having a cesarean is also more common.

Risks related to the health of the baby

Regarding fetal risks, they correspond mainly to congenital anomalies. Being overweight during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery and neonatal complications.

Managing Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an opportunity to reflect on your lifestyle and become aware of how your daily habits can affect your health and that of your unborn child.

To protect the child against these risks of overweight, nothing is more beneficial than following a healthy and balanced diet. Remember that weight loss diets are contraindicated during pregnancy because they reduce the supply of nutrients your baby will need to develop.

However, overeating during this time is not healthy either. Therefore, it is necessary to find a midpoint and seek advice from your doctor.

On the other hand, you can also follow these dietary recommendations to avoid having an overweight pregnancy:

1 – Dare the variety of your breakfast

In the morning, try to find a balance between your wants and the needs that you have as a pregnant woman, as well as those of the baby. Keep in mind that this is the most important meal of the day, so take the opportunity to eat in quantity and variety.

The ideal breakfast consists of a dairy product, a drink, a cereal product, a piece of fruit or a glass of fruit juice. Under no circumstances can you ignore it because it gives you the energy you need for the whole day.

2 – eat in small amounts

Instead of having three meals, experts recommend making six intakes per day. In addition, it is best to eat in small amounts well distributed throughout the day.

3 – choose fresh and varied foods

A balanced diet is the key. By eating a little of everything except foods prohibited during pregnancy, the expectant mother will ensure that she is supplied with essential nutrients.

Also, opt for a selection of five fruits and vegetables a day. Replace what you don’t like with nutritionally equivalent foods and cook simple dishes that don’t contain too much fat.

4 – prepare a light dinner

Unlike lunch, dinner should always be light and balanced. We recommend that you do not eat too late to avoid heartburn or any other kind of discomfort during the night and to promote digestion for proper rest.

5 – practice a physical activity

Remember that it is important to perform regular physical activity during pregnancy, as it is physiologically and psychologically beneficial for the expectant mother and baby. Walking and swimming are, among other things, a great workout to practice during pregnancy.

Finally, know that if you have an overweight pregnancy, you should discuss all your doubts with healthcare professionals before, during and after the birth. They will give you the answers you need and help you find solutions that limit the risks associated with being overweight in order to have a healthy pregnancy.