Is It Dangerous To Be Overweight During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, there is hardly any part of your body that is not affected in any way. Among the most obvious changes is weight gain. On average, a pregnant woman puts on 9 to 13 kilograms. In this article, we will look at the effects of being overweight during pregnancy.

A woman who is overweight during pregnancy has an increased risk of not being able to return to her original weight after giving birth to her child. Similarly, mothers who were overweight before pregnancy, and who gained more weight during pregnancy, have a higher risk of becoming overweight, or obese, than they were before pregnancy.

Because of this, it is very important to take care of both your health and the baby’s. The important thing in these cases is to control your weight to avoid situations that could be a risk to both you and your baby.

What are the risks of being overweight during pregnancy?

Being overweight during pregnancy can have negative consequences for both mother and fetus. We will explain these risks below:

Risks related to maternal health

The mother is at risk for developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (preeclampsia). The overweight mother also tends to have more problems with high blood pressure during pregnancy.
In addition, the risk of miscarriage is higher during the first trimester, and the probability of having to have a caesarean section is also higher.

Risks related to the child’s health

The greatest risks to the fetus are related to congenital anomalies. Being overweight during pregnancy also increases the risk of premature birth and neonatal complications.

Take control of your weight gain during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an opportunity to reflect on your lifestyle. It is also a time when you can become aware of how your daily habits can affect your health and the health of your future child.

To protect your child from the risks of being overweight, nothing is more beneficial than following a healthy and balanced diet.

Remember that extreme diets are not recommended during pregnancy. These actually reduce the intake of the nutrients that your child needs to develop properly.

But overeating during this period is also not healthy. What you need to do is find a healthy balance and seek advice from your doctor.

We have also put together some dietary tips for you to help you control your weight during pregnancy:

Eat a varied breakfast to avoid becoming overweight during pregnancy

In the morning, try to find a balance between what you want to eat and what you really need as a pregnant woman. You should think as much about your baby as you do about what you feel when deciding what to eat.

Keep in mind that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so take advantage of the opportunity to eat a good amount and a good selection of food.

The perfect breakfast should consist of a dairy product, a drink, a cereal product, some fruit or a glass of fruit juice. Under no circumstances should you skip breakfast, as it will give you the energy you need throughout the day.

2. Eat in small amounts

Instead of eating three large meals, experts recommend eating six times a day. It is better to eat smaller amounts more often, distributed throughout the day.

Choose fresh and varied food – just as important whether you are overweight during pregnancy or not

A balanced diet is the key. By eating a little of everything, with the exception of forbidden foods during pregnancy, the expectant mother will be sure to replenish stores with essential nutrients.
Also eat a selection of five fruits and vegetables a day. Replace what you do not like with nutritionally equivalent foods, and cook simple dishes that do not contain too much fat.

4. Eat a light dinner

Unlike lunch, dinner should always be light and balanced. We recommend that you do not eat too much to avoid heartburn or any other type of discomfort during the night. By doing this, you will promote proper digestion and will be able to sleep better.

5. Be physically active

Remember that it is important to be physically active during pregnancy. This has psychological and physiological benefits for both the mother and her baby. Walking and swimming are highly recommended, among many other forms of exercise, during pregnancy.

Finally, if you find that you are overweight during or after pregnancy, you should talk about it with your doctor or others in the care sector. They will give you the answers you need and help you find solutions to limit the risks associated with obesity and help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy.