Weight Worries for Mothers-to-Be

Being seriously overweight during pregnancy increases dangers for both mother and unborn child, but little is being done to help obese mums-to-be, says a leading researcher in the field.

Maternal Obesity

“They found that maternal obesity has more than doubled over the last two decades with one in six pregnant women now facing extra risks to themselves and their babies. More than half the women who die in pregnancy or childbirth are obese or overweight and being seriously overweight increases the likelihood of conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes and pre-eclampsia and can be a contributing factor in stillbirth, congenital anomalies and prematurely.”

Dr Heslehurst Study

Her study found wide regional variations for maternal obesity, ranging from just over 13% in London to nearly 22% in the West Midlands. "Once obese women become pregnant there are still things they can do to minimize the potential for complications for themselves and their babies, such as healthy eating and moderate levels of physical activity," says Dr Heslehurst.

Conclusion

If a woman is obese before she becomes pregnant, she should do everything she can to lose weight. If a woman becomes pregnant while obese, she should consult a dietician and take part in a supervised exercise program.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323141532.htm