Lose Your Excess Weight Before Pregnancy

More and more obese and morbidly obese women are becoming pregnant lately, but this increase in numbers is not good for the mothers and the babies involved. With more fertility options available in this day and age, women who otherwise can’t conceive are able to become pregnant and are given the chance to have a family. But there are so many risks associated with pregnancy while being overweight, that anyone who is attempting to have kids should be made aware of.

For most obese people, problems started in childhood. Childhood obesity is running rampant, and is extremely hard to get out of later in life. If you have a BMI of over 30, then you are considered obese. For a 5’ 6” woman, this would mean that she weighs more than 186 lbs. If your BMI is over 40 then you are considered morbidly obese and are at even higher risk for complications. In this case, a 5’ 6” woman would weigh over 245 lbs, prepregnancy. Calculate your BMI so that you are aware of where you are before becoming pregnant! Here are some of the risks involved with being pregnant while obese:

• Obese women have much higher rates of having c-sections, and if they are able to have a natural birth, labor is longer and usually requires far more medical intervention. According to a study of obese pregnant women in Utah, you are twice as likely to need a c-section if you are obese. Among the morbidly obese, 50% needed c-sections. This is very dangerous, as obese people are more likely to have negative side effects from any surgery. Wound infections and massive blood loss are just a few of the problems more prevalent among heavier patients.

• The chances of stillborn babies and miscarriages are much higher with obese women. in some cases infant death rates are 2 times higher when being born to an obese mother.

• Gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes are much more common among the morbidly obese. This is linked to high birth weight babies, and thus boosts the need for c-sections since larger babies are harder to push out naturally.

• Doctors are unable to monitor the pregnancy as closely. Many very obese women are considered high risk, and must have more frequent doctor visits. It is more difficult to correctly read ultrasounds, and to see if the baby has any abnormalities because the ultrasound machine must be able to read through so many extra layers of fatty tissue.

The bottom line is that obese women need to make life changes BEFORE they are pregnant. Once pregnant, it is harder and more dangerous for them to begin losing weight, and low calorie diets are no longer an option. If you are obese and trying to conceive, first begin a weight loss regimen. Purchase some home exercise equipment or get a gym membership and work off those extra pounds. Eat only healthy foods in preparation. The health of your baby and yourself can be greatly improved if you just get into shape before the pregnancy begins!

About the Author

Emma Green Emma Green is a resident of Southern Utah. She is passionate about dogs and health. You can visit Emma on her blog at treadmillreview.com, or on Google+. Feel free to contact her with any questions at emmagreenie@live.com