Obesity in pregnancy

Obesity before pregnancy

Obesity is a serious disease with dangerous health consequences. It plays an important role when trying to get pregnant. If you are obese ( BMI >35), your chance of getting pregnant decreases. Among the recommendations are a reduction in pre-pregnancy weight and a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity. Pre-pregnancy obesity is often associated with various diseases, among others. endocrinological conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this situation, it is necessary to stabilize the course of the disease before becoming pregnant. An oral glucose load test(OGTT) is also recommended to rule out the presence of diabetes before starting efforts.

Obesity in pregnancy- complications

If an obese woman manages to get pregnant, other complications may arise during those nine months. Listed among them are:

• Miscarriage and premature birth
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Fetal macrosomia
• Thrombotic and embolic complications
• Birth defects in a child

For this reason, moms-to-be with a high BMI should receive specialized care to reduce the risk of complications and implement appropriate management of them. It is recommended that they give birth  them in a center with III. degree of reference. Obese women have a higher risk of abnormal fetal growth-both overweight (LGA) and underweight (SGA).

Obesity in pregnancy-diet

It is extremely important for women with obesity to take care of a healthy and balanced diet. According to the CDC’s recommendations, moms-to-be with a pre-pregnancy BMI of more than 29 should not gain more than 7 pounds in 9 months. Often obese women reduce their weight during pregnancy to reduce the risk of possible complications. Obese patients should, in addition to the care of a gynecologist, be cared for by a nutritionist, and when there are other complications such as pre-pregnancy hypertension or diabetes – by a cardiologist or diabetologist. Holistic care in such a situation can ensure “passage” through pregnancy in the most optimal way possible for the proper development of the child.

Read also:
Is it possible to lose weight during pregnancy?

Obesity in pregnancy and childbirth and the postpartum period

Obese women should give birth in high-referral hospitals. This is due to the difficulties that can occur during childbirth regardless of the route. With a large mass and natural childbirth, there is an increased risk of shoulder dystocia, while in the case of a cesarean section there may be difficulties with anesthesia. The risk of perinatal hemorrhage is also higher. During the puerperium in obese women, special attention is paid to thromboembolic complications. To avoid them, prophylaxis in the form of heparins or stockings is used. It is also important to start up quickly after delivery.

Bibliography:

Standards of the Polish Gynecological Society: Obstetric care of obese pregnant women 2012