Being obese during pregnancy can increase the risk of several health problems for both the mother and the baby.
Some of the potential disadvantages of being obese during pregnancy include:
Increased risk of gestational diabetes : Obesity increases the risk of gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels in the mother and can increase the risk of complications such as preterm delivery and cesarean delivery
Increased risk of high blood pressure : Obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, which can lead to complications such as preterm labor and delivery, placental abruption and stillbirth.
Increased risk of Cesarean delivery : Obesity increases the risk of Cesarean delivery which is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen.
Increased risk of complications during labour and delivery : Obesity can make labour and delivery more difficult and increase the risk of complications such as longer labour, a need for forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery, and a higher risk of the baby being delivered in breech position.
Increased risk of post-partum complications : Obesity can increase the risk of Post-partum complications such as infection and bleeding.
Increased risk of complications for the baby : Babies born to obese mothers are at risk of complications such as being born preterm or with a low birth weight, which can increase their risk of health problems.
Increased risk of birth defects : Babies of obese mothers are at increased risk of certain birth defects, such as neural tube defects and heart defects.
Increased risk of still birth : Obesity during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth, which is the death of a baby before or during pregnancy.
Therefore it is important for pregnant women to discuss their weight and any concerns they have with a Maternity Doctor.
Our Specialist at Womb Fertility Center, Dr. M. Loukya will suggest steps that can be taken to help manage weight during pregnancy, including planning a healthy diet and participating in regular physical activity.