Are you a little overweight? Things to consider during pregnancy (Plus-Size Pregnancy)

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman's life. But it can also be a bit risky. Especially if you are a little overweight or obese, there are a few things you need to be a little more careful about during pregnancy. But don't worry. With good medical care, you too can give birth to a healthy baby. All you need to do is take extra care. Your doctor will always help you keep you and your baby healthy.

The importance of planning before getting pregnant

If you are thinking about having a baby, that is, if you are planning to get pregnant, it is very good to see an obstetrician at the same time. If the doctor thinks that you are a little overweight, he may advise you to see a nutrition consultant for help in losing weight.

Losing weight can be a big help, especially if you have fertility problems. Losing weight not only increases your chances of getting pregnant , but it can also reduce the risks to you and your baby during pregnancy. It can also help protect you from gestational diabetes and future diabetes.

Risks for an obese mother during pregnancy

There is usually a measure of a person's weight relative to their height, which we call Body Mass Index (BMI). If this value is more than 30, they are medically classified as obese. As body weight increases, the process of ovulation can be disrupted, which may delay having children.

After you get pregnant, you can carry and give birth to a healthy baby just like anyone else. However, being overweight increases your risk of developing certain complications. Let's take a look at what those are.

What are the risks to the baby in the womb?

Both the mother and the baby may experience some risks .

• Birth defects: There is an increased risk of congenital heart defects and neural tube defects in the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, your doctor may recommend a special scan called an anatomy ultrasonography and a fetal echocardiography between 18 and 20 weeks.
• Baby's weight gain: The baby may be larger than normal.
• Growth retardation: Sometimes the baby's growth may be stunted in the womb.
• Childhood diseases: Children are at increased risk of developing diseases such as childhood obesity and childhood asthma at an early age.
• Premature birth: There is a high chance that the baby will be born before the due date.

How to have a healthy pregnancy?

Don't worry, you can manage these risks and have a healthy pregnancy. Here's what you need to do.

Go to clinics regularly.

Every pregnant mother should attend her antenatal visits regularly. But since you are a little overweight, the risk of complications is higher. So, don't skip any antenatal visits . Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

Stay active.

Exercise can help reduce many problems, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, back pain, and constipation. Choose safe exercises like swimming, walking, and low-impact aerobics. Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of exercise per week.

Gain weight in a planned manner

Even if you are already overweight, you should still gain some weight during pregnancy. If you are expecting a single baby, you should gain between 11 and 20 pounds (5 and 9 kg). If you are carrying twins, you should gain between 25 and 42 pounds (11 and 19 kg). If you stop gaining weight during pregnancy, it can hinder the baby's growth and cause a low birth weight baby. So , don't try to lose weight at all .

Avoid harmful things

Smoking, drugs, and alcohol are completely harmful during pregnancy. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about it. Control your caffeine and sugar intake from things like coffee, soft drinks, and energy drinks.

Childbirth and the period after it

Since some complications can occur during childbirth, it is important to plan for them in advance.

The heavier the baby, the more likely it is to experience shoulder dystocia during delivery. The more likely it is to require a cesarean section or to use forceps or a vacuum to deliver the baby.

You'll be very busy after having a baby, but don't forget to take care of yourself too.

• Be careful about blood pressure: If you had high blood pressure during pregnancy, it may persist for several weeks after the baby is born.
• Watch out for blood clots: This risk persists for several weeks after the baby is born. So start walking as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend a low molecular weight heparin injection and compression stockings.
• Breastfeeding: Being overweight is not a barrier to breastfeeding. If necessary, you can seek help from a lactation consultant.
• Healthy eating and exercise: Now that your pregnancy is over, you can talk to a nutritionist and come up with a plan to get to a healthy weight. You can also gradually increase your exercise.

Pregnancy, weight gain, plus-size pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, healthy pregnancy, childbirth, women's health