Dr. Sheryl Louie shares the importance of keeping a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy
Obesity has increased in the U.S over the past 25 years. Over 1/3 of women are obese and over 1/2 of pregnant women are overweight or obese. This increases the potential of complications for both mother and baby. Risks to the mother include diabetes, high blood pressure, prolonged labor, and cesarean delivery. Risks to the baby include miscarriage, prematurity, stillbirth, birth defects, and macrosomia (large babies) which can lead to birth injuries.
Starting a pregnancy overweight, as well as gaining excessive weight during pregnancy can lead to large babies. Nine percent of all U.S babies are greater than the 90th percentile for their gestational age. Mothers of these babies are at increased risk of prolonged labor and cesarean section, and these babies are at risk of birth injuries. The ideal way to decrease these risks is to optimize weight prior to pregnancy. We invite patients to make an appointment prior to pregnancy for a discussion of nutrition and exercise programs to help reach ideal body weight before getting pregnant. In 2009 the Institute of Medicine published stricter weight gain guidelines for pregnancy based on a patient's BMI (Body Mass Index). At your first visit with us as a new OB patient, we assess your BMI and set weight gain goals for the pregnancy. We recommend that all pregnant women exercise during their pregnancies. Southdale ObGyn Consultants offers classes in Prenatal and Postpartum Nutrition, as well a Prenatal Yoga classes. Our classes are taught by highly trained and experienced professionals who collaborate closely with our doctors. They are here help our patients stay on track and achieve their goals. Check the Classes page on our website to learn more about our upcoming classes. Another resource to help monitor weight gain through pregnancy can be found here. |