| Obesity and Pregnancy Complications
Maternal obesity can increase the chances of acquiring pregnancy complications and can endanger both the mother and the child. Women who are overweight and obese even before pregnancy and those who become obese during pregnancy have an increased risk of gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes is a condition in which a woman, who not been diagnosed as diabetic, has high blood sugar levels during pregnancy particularly at the third and last trimester. Women affected by obesity and gestational diabetes are more likely to have serious pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension. She is also more likely to deliver via Caesarian Section, which of course is more invasive and additional complications may arise from surgery and anesthetic use.
Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes also affects the baby’s overall health. The baby may be delivered prematurely and may be large for his gestational age. Babies born to mothers who are obese during pregnancy can also develop breathing problems, obesity and diabetes later in life. In addition, obesity can cause birth defects in babies specifically brain and spinal cord defects. The risk of still birth is increased in women who are affected by obesity during their pregnancies.
The best prevention is to have a healthy weight before pregnancy and start eating healthy as well. Most doctors will not recommend dieting or weight loss during pregnancy since this can be an added health risk to both mother and baby. Mild exercise is good as long as it’s not contraindicated.
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