Knowledge | A healthy weight supports maternal and infant safety: expert says pregnancy is not a reason to overeat
As an expectant mother’s abdomen grows, weight may seem less important. In fact, the opposite is true: maintaining a healthy weight can support conception and is also important for safety during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
“A healthy weight and lifestyle can make it easier to become pregnant and support health throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery,” said Agena Davenport-Nicholson, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Emory University Hospital.
However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of women are already overweight or have obesity when they become pregnant, which may pose serious risks to both mother and baby.
Risks for pregnant women who are overweight should not be overlooked
For mothers, the risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia increase significantly. Excess weight can also result in a large fetus, raising the likelihood of cesarean delivery.
Babies also face risks. At birth, their blood glucose may drop sharply because the external glucose supply ends when the umbilical cord is cut while insulin levels remain high. Babies with high birth weight are also more likely to develop obesity and diabetes later in life.
Even modest weight loss before pregnancy can help
“We do not require women to reach an ‘ideal weight’ before becoming pregnant,” Davenport-Nicholson emphasized. “Losing even 5%~10% of body weight can lead to significant improvement.” For example, a woman weighing 180 pounds may benefit from losing 9 to 18 pounds (about 4 to 8 kilograms).
Already pregnant? Focus on managing weight gain, not losing weight
Pregnancy is not the time to begin dieting. It is more important to manage weight gain appropriately through healthy eating and regular physical activity:
Women who are overweight: recommended pregnancy weight gain of 1525 pounds (about 711 kilograms)
Women with obesity: recommended gain of 1120 pounds (about 59 kilograms)
Stay in close contact with your obstetrician to ensure your weight management remains within a safe range.
Four practical tips during pregnancy
Dr. Davenport-Nicholson offered four practical tips for expectant mothers who are overweight or have obesity:
Do not “eat for two”
Pregnant women of normal weight need only about 300 additional calories per day. This is far from doubling food intake. Ask your doctor about your specific calorie needs.
Focus on what you eat
Calories should provide nutritional value. Choose foods rich in protein and unsaturated fats, and limit high-sugar foods, simple carbohydrates such as white bread, and saturated and trans fats.
Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration
Drink 80 to 100 ounces (about 2.4~3 liters) of water daily. Blood volume increases during pregnancy, and dehydration may cause dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.
Be active almost every day
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily, such as walking, dancing, or swimming. “Swimming during pregnancy is especially good,” she said. “It is safe and can make your body feel lighter.”
Knowledge | A healthy weight supports maternal and infant safety: expert says pregnancy is not a reason to overeat
Knowledge | A healthy weight supports maternal and infant safety: expert says pregnancy is not a reason to overeat
As an expectant mother’s abdomen grows, weight may seem less important. In fact, the opposite is true: maintaining a healthy weight can support conception and is also important for safety during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
“A healthy weight and lifestyle can make it easier to become pregnant and support health throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery,” said Agena Davenport-Nicholson, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Emory University Hospital.
However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of women are already overweight or have obesity when they become pregnant, which may pose serious risks to both mother and baby.
Risks for pregnant women who are overweight should not be overlooked
For mothers, the risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia increase significantly. Excess weight can also result in a large fetus, raising the likelihood of cesarean delivery.
Babies also face risks. At birth, their blood glucose may drop sharply because the external glucose supply ends when the umbilical cord is cut while insulin levels remain high. Babies with high birth weight are also more likely to develop obesity and diabetes later in life.
Even modest weight loss before pregnancy can help
“We do not require women to reach an ‘ideal weight’ before becoming pregnant,” Davenport-Nicholson emphasized. “Losing even 5%~10% of body weight can lead to significant improvement.” For example, a woman weighing 180 pounds may benefit from losing 9 to 18 pounds (about 4 to 8 kilograms).
Already pregnant? Focus on managing weight gain, not losing weight
Pregnancy is not the time to begin dieting. It is more important to manage weight gain appropriately through healthy eating and regular physical activity:
Women who are overweight: recommended pregnancy weight gain of 1525 pounds (about 711 kilograms)
Women with obesity: recommended gain of 1120 pounds (about 59 kilograms)
Stay in close contact with your obstetrician to ensure your weight management remains within a safe range.
Four practical tips during pregnancy
Dr. Davenport-Nicholson offered four practical tips for expectant mothers who are overweight or have obesity:
Do not “eat for two”
Pregnant women of normal weight need only about 300 additional calories per day. This is far from doubling food intake. Ask your doctor about your specific calorie needs.
Focus on what you eat
Calories should provide nutritional value. Choose foods rich in protein and unsaturated fats, and limit high-sugar foods, simple carbohydrates such as white bread, and saturated and trans fats.
Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration
Drink 80 to 100 ounces (about 2.4~3 liters) of water daily. Blood volume increases during pregnancy, and dehydration may cause dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.
Be active almost every day
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity daily, such as walking, dancing, or swimming. “Swimming during pregnancy is especially good,” she said. “It is safe and can make your body feel lighter.”
Source:
Collected online