Obesity significantly increases the risk of pregnancy complications, saysDr.
Courtney Younglove, MD, who is double-board-certified in obesity medicine and obstetrics and gynecology.
Obesity puts extra stress on nearly every system in the body, and pregnancy does the same.
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When you combine the two, the risks dont just add upthey multiply.
What You Should Know
Unfortunately, the list of risk factors associated with pregnancy andobesityis long.
Delivering a baby can also be more complicated when youre carrying excess weight.
Women with obesity require induction of labor more often, due to pregnancy complications.
Once the baby arrives, there are often added challenges for new moms with obesity.
Finally, there are added risks to the babies born to moms who areobese.
Yes, that all sounds pretty scary.
First, women with obesity need to know that there is hope, Dr. Younglove says.
Actively gaining weight worsens these things considerably, while losing weight improves themalmost immediately.
The goal isnt about perfectionits about making small, positive changes that support your fertility and a healthy pregnancy.
Ideally, get advice from a trained obesity-medicine provider, especially if youre considering weight-loss injections.
Donna Adams-Pickett, PhD, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and womens health advocate in Augusta, GA.
Early screening can allow you to better manage any issues through lifestyle modifications before and during pregnancy.
Note that fertility problems can often resolve as you begin to lose weight.
Its recommended that after weight-loss surgery, you delay getting pregnant for 12 to 24 months.
If needed, you might then see a sleep specialist for a treatment plan.
Daily physical activity can help you avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
Recommended pregnancy weight gain for women with obesity is 11 to 20 pounds.
Obesity is the number-one risk factor for many maternal and fetal complications of pregnancy.
Its also one risk factor that we can control, says Dr. Adams-Pickett.
Addressing it can make a huge impact on reaching our desired goala healthy mom and a healthy baby.
Know that your weight is just one factor in a much bigger picture.
