The Overweight Pregnancy

It can affect your own and your baby’s health

If you’re like half of American women, you’ll already be overweight when you become pregnant—and that’s a risky thing. It raises the chances that you’ll have complications like preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure), pregnancy-related diabetes and premature birth. Here’s how to maintain a healthy weight throughout the childbirth process.

Before you become pregnant—If you’re thinking about having a baby, this is the best time to lose the excess pounds, says Joseph DeFulvio, D.O., obstetrician with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.

During pregnancy—Expect to gain 25-35 pounds over the nine months. If you are overweight or obese at the outset, your doctor may advise you to gain less. Hold the line on weight gain by consuming a healthy diet rich in lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruit, and low in fat, sugar and processed foods.

Even if you’re currently out of shape, start exercising. “Gentle exercise such as walking, light weightlifting, and exercise classes designed for pregnant women is perfectly safe, and will condition you for labor and delivery,” DeFulvio says.

No matter your size, don’t try to lose weight now. Restricting calories could harm your unborn baby.

After pregnancy—To lose your “baby fat,” DeFulvio recommends breastfeeding. It burns about 500 extra daily calories (besides being great for your baby’s nutrition). Eat healthfully and resume exercise as soon as your doctor gives you the OK.

Also, consider holding off on the next baby for at least a year. That will give you time to re-establish a healthy weight. New research shows that even if you’re not technically overweight, an added 7 pounds going into your next pregnancy can raise your risk for complications.

Want to Know More about weight gain and pregnancy, appropriate exercise during pregnancy or preeclampsia? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine May-June 2007

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