A group of scientists concludes that obese and overweight women have more pregnancy complications than women with normal weight. At birth, babies of overweight and obese mothers are more prone to have medical problems.
A group of scientists concludes that obese and overweight women have more pregnancy complications than women with normal weight. At birth, babies of overweight and obese mothers are more prone to have medical problems.
Due to the report of the Public Affairs Committee of the Teratology Society, the risk of infertility and pregnancy problems have increased among these women. The most common problems are: gestational diabetes, hypertension, and thromboembolic (clot-related) disorders. The women are also more prone to have a Caesarean section and usually spend more time in hospital after childbirth. Their pregnancy frequently results in higher medical costs during the prenatal period.
The experts found that babies of obese women suffer from neural tube defects more frequently and are more often patients of neonatal intensive care units.
“The literature suggests that compared to normal weight women, women whose body mass index (BMI) is greater than or equal to 30 have approximately double the risk of having an affected child,” the report said. A BMI of 30 is the point from which the obesity starts.
The scientists noticed that the increased risks connected with overweight cannot be explained by either intake of folic acid or the maternal diabetes.
What do they recommend? To reduce weight before they try to conceive, as going on a diet is not a good idea for pregnant women.
The scientists wrote in their report: “Adequate nutrition is important for pregnant women and women planning pregnancy.” They also added that pregnant women should be informed by their doctors about right caloric intake and exercise.
The panelists did not recommend weight-loss surgery; however, they stated that “because some weight loss procedures can result in nutritional deficiencies, it appears reasonable to recommend that pregnancy be delayed until surgery-related weight loss has stabilized.”
