Obese Moms At Greater Risk During Pregnancy
The study was carried out by Kings College London, and looked at data from 385 pregnancies. (Results are published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.)
The key findings were:
- Obese first-time mothers had a much higher risk of pre-eclampsia: 11.7% developed the condition, compared with 6% of obese women who'd been through a previous pregnancy, and 2% of non-obese women.
- 11.9% of the babies born to the women in the study were premature: almost twice the national average.
- The babies were more likely to be under or over weight, compared with babies born to women of a healthy weight. 18.8% of the babies had a low birth weight (under 2.5 kg), compared with 10% of babies born to women of a healthy weight. And 13.4% of the babies were considered large - compared with 10% of those born to healthy women.
The researchers also noted that the women who gained the most weight in pregnancy were also the most likely to develop pre-eclampsia.
The BBC reported Professor Lucilla Poston, the lead researcher, saying that the health problems for babies and mothers highlighted by the study indicated that special attention should be paid to obese first-time mothers. She suggested that the reasons for the higher risks of pre-eclampsia and other issues were due to increased insulin resistance in pregnant obese women:
Normal pregnancy induces a mild form of insulin resistance and we know that obese people become more insulin resistant and that promotes diabetes, pre-eclampsia and macrosomia or bigger babies.
If you are pregnant for the first time, or seeking to become pregnant, it's worth discussing any weight concerns with your doctor. You should not attempt to diet whilst pregnant without seeking medical advice.
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Well this isn't new! I heard this when I became pregnant (I am not obese)
It doesn't help that obese mothers tend to think pregnancy means you are eating for two and that junk is okay (Who wants to build a baby on junk? what a foundation! And lack of nutrition is always common for premature babies)
Replyand since they weren't exercising before pregnancy often, they can't sustain a regular workout routine during pregnancy.
This article was really insightful. I have no children of my own (yet) but I have several Mommy friends. My best friend had gestational diabetes and was having a really tough time through her pregnancy. She finally went on Fresh Mommy and it really helped her get through it and helped keep it in check. They even had Daddy dinners for her husband so neither one of them had to think about anything!
ReplyMy sister's pregnant right now and she's definitely trying to watch her weight gain so she doesn't gain too much. My mother in law was obese throughout all her pregnancies and had gestational diabetes with 2 or 3 of them. She now has type 2 diabetes, so I guess that makes sense.
ReplyYeh, I agree with the first response. This study looks like a study that had to be done just for the sake of saying the researchers were published.
Kinda like the studies that say repeated blows to the head increase the risk of brain damage.
But, I guess if the publicity educates or scares someone into positive action it's beneficial.
ReplyYes, this not a new thing for moms but a reminder for those who forgets. But not all of us knows this one, there are some people who still need some knowledge about this one. :)
ReplyThanks for this pretty and useful information that you posted. I love it!
ReplyI think you weight should be important to you at all times, we are reminded that being over weight has a bearing on all our health moving forward. I think if you are concerned about your weight at any time you should visit your doctor he will be able to give you the advice you need to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
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