A healthy pregnancy is an accomplishment of subtle, prominent changes made over the course of pregnancy in an expectant mom’s diet and lifestyle, more so, in the case of medical concerns and an average nutritional status!
One of the factors influencing the incidence of major or minor complications in pregnancy could be any form of excessive/sudden weight gained during pregnancy as well as increased BMI at pre-conception. Being overweight might elevate the chances of:
a. Miscarriages
b. Gestational diabetes
c. High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
d. Heavier bleeding after delivery etc.
e. Complications during delivery
It is a well acknowledged fact that a healthy pregnancy can be better handled than a complicated one. Take a glance at the tips mentioned below; try a few of these if your Obstetrician wanted you to watch your pounds.
1. Eating healthy
Nutritional requirement getting doubled does not necessarily mean eating for two. Eating healthy doesn't mean having uncontrolled portion sizes, even if it meant healthy food!
Sample tips for healthy eating:
2. Regular exercises
Undertaking simple exercises regularly is an inseparable part of a healthy pregnancy. A “go” for exercises should come from the Obstetrician’s desk. Exercising can be made consistently interesting by taking it up in “bits and pieces”. A classic example is Yoga at morning for 20-25 min, healthy walking for 15-20 minutes in the evening for better digestion, avoiding excessive weight gain and balancing blood sugar levels.
It is not recommended to lose weight during pregnancy. However, controlling the weight gain, especially if you are already on the heavier side or if you are gaining weight too quickly, is necessary to avoid obesity in pregnancy. Eating healthy, following a diet plan that includes all essential nutrients, and regular exercise with a doctor’s approval can help.
Pay attention to what you are eating and how much you are moving. Eating nutritious foods rather than giving in to cravings can help control weight gain. Regular exercise can help improve blood flow and prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
Obesity during pregnancy can increase the risk of health issues like gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and macrosomia. It can also increase the risk of a caesarean delivery or birth defects in the baby. In extreme cases, it can lead to preterm delivery, stillbirth, or long-term health complications for the child.
Yes, excess visceral fat around the belly can affect pregnancy. The presence of belly fat does not directly hinder conception, but a high BMI can negatively impact fertility and also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. It can interfere with ovulation and also reduce the IVF success rate.
