Knowledge | Planning a Pregnancy? Doctors Recommend Losing Weight First to Support Your Baby’s Health
As you plan for one of life’s most important milestones—welcoming a new baby—do not overlook the most important question: is your body ready?
U.S. experts advise that if you are currently overweight, losing excess weight before pregnancy can significantly benefit both your health and your future baby’s health. Excess weight can reduce the chance of conception, increase the risk of pregnancy complications, and potentially affect a child’s lifelong health.
Excess Weight Can Affect Conception and a Child’s Lifelong Health
“Studies have found that women who are overweight face higher risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and neural tube defects such as spina bifida during pregnancy,” said **Alan M. Peaceman, MD**, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. “More concerning, the fetus may be predisposed in the womb to obesity later in life and even childhood diabetes.”
Hypertension, including gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes are also significantly more common in pregnant women who are overweight, directly affecting maternal and fetal safety.
Every Pound Lost Before Pregnancy Matters
“Ideally, women would reach a healthy weight before pregnancy, but even if they cannot reach the full goal, losing half of the target amount can still have positive health effects,” said Alison G. Cahill, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University in St. Louis.
How much weight should be lost before pregnancy? Dr. Peaceman’s answer is: “Get as close to your healthy weight as possible, but any weight loss helps.” He emphasized that it is never too late to take the first step.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss: Diet + Exercise
Despite the many weight-loss methods available, doctors still recommend the most basic and effective approach: a balanced diet and regular exercise.
“If you have been inactive, start with a 30-minute brisk walk each day,” Dr. Cahill advised. “Do not plan to lose weight during pregnancy, but you can manage how much you gain.”
She noted that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 at the start of pregnancy are considered overweight and should gain no more than 25 pounds (about 11.3 kilograms) during pregnancy. Those with a BMI ≥30 are considered obese and should gain no more than 20 pounds (about 9 kilograms).
The Goal Is a Healthy Foundation for Mother and Baby
“We are not asking women to be perfect. We want them to prepare before pregnancy so both mother and baby can begin in the best possible condition,” Dr. Peaceman emphasized. A healthy preconception weight can improve pregnancy health and delivery safety and give the baby a healthier start.
Experts recommend speaking with an obstetrician or dietitian before trying to conceive to create an individualized health plan and prepare confidently for motherhood.
Knowledge | Planning a Pregnancy? Doctors Recommend Losing Weight First to Support Your Baby’s Health
Knowledge | Planning a Pregnancy? Doctors Recommend Losing Weight First to Support Your Baby’s Health
As you plan for one of life’s most important milestones—welcoming a new baby—do not overlook the most important question: is your body ready?
U.S. experts advise that if you are currently overweight, losing excess weight before pregnancy can significantly benefit both your health and your future baby’s health. Excess weight can reduce the chance of conception, increase the risk of pregnancy complications, and potentially affect a child’s lifelong health.
Excess Weight Can Affect Conception and a Child’s Lifelong Health
“Studies have found that women who are overweight face higher risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and neural tube defects such as spina bifida during pregnancy,” said **Alan M. Peaceman, MD**, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. “More concerning, the fetus may be predisposed in the womb to obesity later in life and even childhood diabetes.”
Hypertension, including gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes are also significantly more common in pregnant women who are overweight, directly affecting maternal and fetal safety.
Every Pound Lost Before Pregnancy Matters
“Ideally, women would reach a healthy weight before pregnancy, but even if they cannot reach the full goal, losing half of the target amount can still have positive health effects,” said Alison G. Cahill, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University in St. Louis.
How much weight should be lost before pregnancy? Dr. Peaceman’s answer is: “Get as close to your healthy weight as possible, but any weight loss helps.” He emphasized that it is never too late to take the first step.
Evidence-Based Weight Loss: Diet + Exercise
Despite the many weight-loss methods available, doctors still recommend the most basic and effective approach: a balanced diet and regular exercise.
“If you have been inactive, start with a 30-minute brisk walk each day,” Dr. Cahill advised. “Do not plan to lose weight during pregnancy, but you can manage how much you gain.”
She noted that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 at the start of pregnancy are considered overweight and should gain no more than 25 pounds (about 11.3 kilograms) during pregnancy. Those with a BMI ≥30 are considered obese and should gain no more than 20 pounds (about 9 kilograms).
The Goal Is a Healthy Foundation for Mother and Baby
“We are not asking women to be perfect. We want them to prepare before pregnancy so both mother and baby can begin in the best possible condition,” Dr. Peaceman emphasized. A healthy preconception weight can improve pregnancy health and delivery safety and give the baby a healthier start.
Experts recommend speaking with an obstetrician or dietitian before trying to conceive to create an individualized health plan and prepare confidently for motherhood.
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