Here is a look at some of the most commonly asked questions on obesity and pregnancy.
Am I considered overweight or obese?
Most people who are concerned with their weight understand there is a difference between being overweight and being considered obese. If you are considering getting pregnant, it is important to know the difference because the risks associated with being overweight are not always the same as if you are considered obese. Your body mass index, which is a number determined by your height and weight. Your doctor can determine your BMI or you can use one of the BMI calculators found on the internet. Women who are overweight have a body mass index ranging from 25 to 29.9. Women who are deemed obese have a BMI greater than 30.
Is it possible to have a safe pregnancy if I am obese?
Now most of us know that being obese there is a higher risk of complications for both mother and baby, this is also true for women who are simply overweight. However, that doesn’t mean that obese women cannot have a safe pregnancy. In fact, every year obese women have perfectly healthy babies, but there is a trick to it. Obese and overweight women must work closely with their doctors to ensure only a certain amount of weight is gained. Regular exercise and great prenatal care also play a big role in ensuring a safe pregnancy.
Should I watch my weight while pregnant? If so, how much weight is safe to gain?
If you are already considered obese or even overweight it is very important to watch how much weight you gain. Gaining extra weight while pregnant increases the risks of complications for both you and your baby during your pregnancy. However, how much weight you should gain is something that your doctor will need to decide. On average women who are considered obese should gain between 11 to 20 pounds for a normal pregnancy, while overweight women can gain anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds.
Is it o.k. to lose weight while pregnant?
While you are pregnant, you should never diet. Trying to lose weight by cutting calories is never a good idea while you are pregnant because it prevents your baby from getting the nourishment it needs. However, just because the doctor recommends you to gain a certain amount of weight in some cases you can gain less. Your doctor will monitor your baby’s health and as long as the baby is growing, as it should, gaining less can be okay, it can even have benefits.
Is it safe to start exercising while pregnant? If so, how should I start?
It is safe to start exercising while you are pregnant, but you do not want to jump into a strenuous routine as that can put your pregnancy at risk. If you have never exercised before you should start with 5 minutes of light exercise and add 5 more minutes every week. The goal is to work up to 30 minutes of exercise a day.
What kind of delivery is better for obese women?
While vaginal deliveries are the preferred method of choice, they are not always possible. Being obese can actually lower your chances of being able to have a successful vaginal delivery, which means there is a higher chance of having a c-section. However, there are also risks associated with being obese and having a c-section.
How soon after weight loss surgery can I become pregnant?
If you undergo weight loss surgery, you should wait at least one or two years before getting pregnant again. The reason for this is that during the first two years you are going to be going through rapid weight loss, which is not good for a growing baby. Keep in mind though that some weight loss surgeries can interfere with how your body absorbs medication, such as birth control pills, so you may need to switch methods.
Image Source: babymed.com
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