Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, highlights the benefits of weight loss when you’re pregnant and obese.
Did you know? A high body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy is dangerous for you and your unborn baby? Obesity is diagnosed as a BMI of 30 or above.
How to Calculate Your BMI?
To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.
If you are 1.65m tall and weigh 85kg:
weight / height squared = 85 / 1.65 x 1.65 = 85 / 2.72 = 31.25.
Then your BMI would be 31.25.
According to CDC, BMI weight status is as follows:
Could a High BMI Hinder My Ability To Become Pregnant?
In short, yes. A high BMI can impair fertility by interfering with normal ovulation. The greater the BMI, even in women who ovulate regularly, the longer it may take to conceive. Additionally, some data shows that a greater BMI relates to an increased chance of in vitro fertilisation failure (IVF).
How Can My BMI Impact My Pregnancy?
A high BMI during pregnancy raises the risk of a variety of pregnancy problems, such as:
- Stillbirth, miscarriage, and repeated miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication marked by elevated blood pressure and symptoms of organ system impairment, most commonly the liver and kidneys)
- Heart difficulties
- Sleep apnoea
- The necessity for a C-section
How Can My Weight Affect The Health Of My Unborn Baby?
A high BMI during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of a variety of health issues for unborn babies, including:
- Congenital diseases
- Being much bigger at birth than typical (foetal macrosomia)
- Growth issues
- Paediatric asthma
- Paediatric obesity
- Cognitive difficulties and developmental delay
How Much Weight Gain Is Recommended During Pregnancy?
When deciding how much weight you need to gain during pregnancy, it is vital to consider your pre-pregnancy weight and BMI.
- If you have a BMI of 30 or above and are carrying one child, you should gain about 5 to 9 kilograms.
- If your BMI is at least 30 and you are pregnant with twins or multiples, the recommended weight increase range is about 11 to 19 kilograms.
“Instead of suggesting that you acquire a set amount of weight during pregnancy, your healthcare professional may advise you to avoid gaining too much weight,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
Will I Require Specialist Treatment During My Pregnancy?
If your BMI is 30 or higher, your health care practitioner will follow your pregnancy regularly. Your service provider may suggest:
1. Prenatal screenings for gestational diabetes
Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, a screening test known as the glucose challenge test is often administered to women at average risk for gestational diabetes. If your glucose levels are within the normal range, you will have a second screening test between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. If the results indicate that your blood glucose levels are high, more testing will be required.
2. Changes to your ultrasound of the foetus
To check a baby’s anatomy, routine foetal ultrasound is often performed between weeks 18 and 20 of pregnancy. However, ultrasound waves have difficulty penetrating belly fat tissue. This can compromise the efficacy of foetal ultrasonography.
3. Diagnostic testing for obstructive sleep apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a potentially dangerous sleep disease characterised by recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep.
Pregnant women with obstructive sleep apnoea are more likely to develop preeclampsia and other problems. If obstructive sleep apnoea is suspected, your health care physician may send you to a sleep medicine expert for examination and potential treatment.
What Measures Can I Take To Ensure That My Pregnancy Is Healthy?
You can reduce the effects of a high BMI on your health and the health of your baby. For instance:
Schedule a doctor’s appointment before conception
Your provider may prescribe a daily prenatal vitamin and refer you to other health care professionals, such as a qualified dietitian, who can assist you in achieving a healthy weight before conception.
Seek frequent prenatal care
Prenatal appointments allow your physician to monitor you and your unborn baby’s health and manage any medical issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
Consume a nutritious diet
Work with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist to maintain a balanced diet and prevent excessive weight gain. Remember that you will need extra folic acid, protein, calcium, iron, and other critical nutrients during pregnancy.
Perform physical activity
Consult your doctor about safe methods to be physically active throughout pregnancy, such as walking, swimming, and low-impact aerobics.
Avoid dangerous chemicals
If you smoke, consult your health care practitioner for assistance quitting. It’s also important to avoid alcohol and illegal substances.
“While a BMI of 30 or over during pregnancy can raise the risk of problems for both mother and child, there are ways in which you can manage your risks and promote a healthy pregnancy. Never hesitate to speak to your health care provider should you have any questions or concerns,” concludes Hewlett.
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