Pregnancies in obese women must be more controlled because excess weight increases the risk of developing complications during pregnancy, such as hypertension and diabetes in the mother, and also problems with malformations in the baby, such as heart defects.
Although it is not recommended to go on weight loss diets during pregnancy, it is essential to control the quality of food and calorie intake so that the baby has all the nutrients necessary for its development, without the pregnant woman gaining too much weight.
If a woman is well above her ideal weight, it is important that she lose weight before becoming pregnant to achieve an acceptable body mass index and thus reduce the risks associated with being overweight during pregnancy. Nutritional monitoring before and during pregnancy, in these cases, is essential. Losing weight before getting pregnant will also help a woman feel her baby when she is pregnant, as excess fat makes it difficult for an obese woman to feel her baby moving.
How many kilos can an overweight pregnant woman gain during pregnancy?
The weight a woman should gain during pregnancy depends on the woman’s weight before becoming pregnant, which is assessed using the body mass index, which relates weight to height. So, if your body mass index before pregnancy was:
- Less than 19.8 (underweight) – weight gain during pregnancy should be between 13 and 18 kilos.
- Between 19.8 and 26.0 (adequate weight) – weight gain during pregnancy should be between 12 and 16 kilos.
- Greater than 26.0 (overweight) – weight gain during pregnancy should be between 6 and 11 kilos.
In some cases, obese women may not gain weight or gain very little weight during pregnancy because as the baby grows and the pregnancy progresses, the mother can lose weight by eating healthier and, as the weight the baby gains compensates for what the mother loses, the weight on the scale does not change.
Risks of pregnancy in obese women
The risks of pregnancy in obese women involve problems for the health of the baby and mother.
Obese pregnant women have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure, eclampsia and gestational diabetes, but the baby can also suffer because of the mother’s excess weight. Abortion and the development of malformations in the baby, such as a heart defect or spina bifida, are more common in obese women, in addition to a greater risk of having a premature baby.
The postpartum period for obese women is also more complicated, with a greater risk of healing difficulties, so losing weight before getting pregnant can be an excellent way to have a pregnancy free of complications.
Food for obese pregnant women
An obese pregnant woman’s diet must be balanced and varied, but the quantities must be calculated by the nutritionist so that the pregnant woman has all the nutrients necessary for the baby’s development. In addition, it may be necessary to prescribe supplements according to the pregnant woman’s body weight.
It is essential not to eat fatty foods, such as fried foods or sausages, sweets and soft drinks.
To learn more about what to eat during pregnancy see: Food during pregnancy.
