Thinking About Getting Pregnant?

One important measure that you can take to help ensure a healthy pregnancy is to consider your weight before even getting pregnant (or your pre-pregnancy weight). Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30.  Obese mothers are more likely to experience pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, preeclampsia, and potentially life-threatening blood clots.

Research has shown that certain birth defects are more common in babies born to obese women.  For example, obese mothers are twice as likely to have babies with spina bifida as non-obese mothers.  There is also an increased risk of fetal heart defects, cleft lip and palate, and limb defects. You can find more information about this at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Web site.

The risk of having a baby born with a birth defect can be reduced by implementing lifestyle changes prior to conceiving that promote a normal maternal weight, such a nutritious eating and physical activity.

Some pregnancy complications can be dangerous to both the pregnant mom and the developing fetus.  For example, pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes can have large for gestational age (LGA) babies or increased amniotic fluid which can lead to preterm labor.  These babies are more likely to experience a shoulder dystocia injury during birth or need a cesarean birth.  If a pregnant woman is diabetic, the newborn baby can experience hypoglycemia, or low blood sugars, immediately upon birth and develop symptoms.

Maternal obesity has major effects on placental, embryonic, and fetal growth.  If a woman’s obesity affects her circulation, it may reduce the flow of nutrients and oxygen that reaches the baby.  This can significantly affect the proper growth of the baby as well as lead to fetal distress or miscarriage.

The CDC recommends a total pregnancy weight gain of only 11-20 pounds for obese mothers, as compared to a recommended total weight gain of 25-35 pounds for normal weight mothers.

Tips for achieving a healthy pre-pregnancy weight:

-If you are thinking about getting pregnant but your BMI shows that you are “obese” or “morbidly obese”, consider waiting until you have reduced your weight to a better BMI so you’re as healthy as you can be before conceiving.

-Check with your doctor about starting a moderate exercise program. Women who exercise regularly before getting pregnant are more likely to continue exercising during the pregnancy.  Don’t have a routine?  A daily 20-30 minute walk is beneficial.  Aim for 150 minutes per week of physical activity.

-Check this FDA resource to calculate your recommended daily calorie intake.  Once pregnant, the recommended daily calorie intake is unchanged in the first trimester. But in the second trimester, you should increase your daily consumption by 340 calories.  In the third trimester, increase it by 450 calories daily.

-Consume a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.  They provide beneficial fiber and nutrients to your body.

-Include dietary sources of folic acid (fortified cereal, broccoli, eggs, dark leafy green vegetables) as well as a folic acid supplement at least 1 month prior to conceiving to prevent neural tube defects.

-Enlist the help of a friend or loved one that can help you on your journey to optimal weight loss.

Pre-pregnancy weight loss is an area where you can make a significant difference in your health and the health of your baby.  Make the effort!  It is worth it!

Editors

Faith Bontrager, RN

Lina Wong, DO