Did you know? Maternal obesity can affect the health of the mother as well as the child. Obesity is calculated by body mass index (BMI). But, a mother with a BMI of more than 30 will be termed as obese. In the following article, we help you decode the relationship between obesity and pregnancy. Read on to know more about this, and try to stay healthy and hearty throughout the pregnancy journey. Obesity is the root of all diseases. It is a silent killer and can predispose a person to many health problems. Obesity can affect pregnancy in many ways, from conception to delivery, and there are many ways in which it can cause a difficult time for mother and baby.
Problems faced by obese pregnant women:
- Obesity can reduce fertility: You may be shocked to know that having a high BMI can affect regular ovulation and conception. Even if an obese woman ovulates regularly, it can be challenging for her to get pregnant.
- Miscarriage: Not only miscarriages but also obese women can have frequent miscarriages, and stillbirths are all conditions where the baby does not survive the pregnancy.
- Heart problems: There is a link between obesity and heart problems. Yes that’s right! Obesity increases the risk of suffering from heart problems. Obese pregnant women are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Thus, obese women need to be careful, maintain optimal weight and take great care of their heart.
- Sleeping Disorders: Obese pregnant women are more likely to develop sleep apnea, which can be fatal.
- Damage to other organs: Obesity during pregnancy can affect a person’s organs. Being overweight can cause liver, kidney and other vital organs to suffer.
- Gestational diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy. Many factors increase the risk for GD and one of them is obesity.
- Respiratory problems: Obese mothers are at increased risk of suffering from respiratory infections.
Dr. Pratima Thamke, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar suggests that “obese mothers need to lose weight, get tested for any sleep problems like sleep apnea and try to avoid alcohol, tobacco and drug use. Obese pregnant women should exercise daily and eat a well-balanced diet. Go for regular check-ups and follow-ups as prescribed by the doctor. If you have gestational diabetes, take your diabetes medication on time, try to get plenty of rest and be stress-free.”
