PLUS-SIZE

Though weight gain is synonymous with pregnancy, putting on too many kilos increases the risk of complications for the mother and the baby

    Pregnancy is, no doubt, the most wonderful and trickiest period for a woman. Wonderful because of the impending joys of motherhood and trickiest because of the sheer amount of precautions that are to be taken. For example, weight gain is inevitable while expecting, but it involves a lot of risks. Read on to find out why putting on too many kilos can pose a threat to you and the baby. 

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? The notion of “eating for two” should not be overstretched. So, the question is, where to stop? The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good indicator to begin with. Gynaecologist Dr Suman Bijlani says every pregnant woman should record her BMI during her first visit to the doctor. A woman with a BMI of 22 would be considered normal weight. She, in fact, would be counselled to gain 25 to 35 lbs during pregnancy. 

    While a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is overweight, figures ranging between 30 and 34.9 is moderately overweight. But if your BMI is over 35, you are seriously overweight. Doctors say a weight gain of about 450 grams per week is ideal from the fourth month of pregnancy. 

    Several studies suggest that 50% of overweight women cross their target weight recommendations. If weight gain is excessive and not supported by an overconsumption of calories, accumulation of fluid in the form of edema or amniotic fluid excess (i.e. polyhydramnios) is likely, says Dr Sunita Dube. Also, she adds, older women with multiple gestations are more prone to cardiac compromise and overall fluid retention. 

THE RISKS Sometimes, there is rapid weight gain during pregnancy. That’s because the metabolism allows storage of fat, in order to protect the mother and the baby. However, Dr Firuza Parekh warns, “Women who are hypothyroid may gain more weight and have further thyroid dysfunction — thyroid requirements increase during pregnancy. This can lead to thyroid problems in the baby as well. Obesity can pose problems during labour and may increase chances of a Caesarean session. Obesity due to metabolic conditions can also cause growth restriction and low birth weight in the baby.” 

    Some common risks associated with overweight or obese pregnancies include high blood pressure, preclampsia (high blood pressure with water retention), diabetes, gestational diabetes, miscarriage,   complications during labour, having a big baby, etc. 

    “Overweight pregnant women  may more often complain of backache and pelvic pain. The radiologist may find it difficult to observe the foetus well on ultrasound because of layers of fat. Caesarean delivery could be more likely as the baby may be overweight. The risk of anaesthesia complications also increase. Post delivery, one must watch for heavy bleeding, infection or development of blood clots in the veins of the legs. Also, babies born to overweight mothers have a higher risk of developing an abnormal nervous system (neural tube defects). Stillbirths are also statistically more common,” cautions Dr Bijlani. 

LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE CONCEIVING As they say, prevention is better than cure. It’s always better to attain normal weight before trying to conceive. It’s harder to lose weight during pregnancy and that’s not advisable either.

PRECAUTIONS Dr Parekh’s guidelines for pregnant women who are overweight: 

• Go for regular check-ups with the obstetrician. 

• Examine blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Get routine urine tests done. 

• Adopt a healthy diet for controlled weight gain. 

• Regular sonography will reveal the condition of the baby. Colour doppler studies will help determine if the blood supply to the fetus is adequate. Look out for signs of premature delivery. 

• Exercise, but under supervision. 

• Ensure adequate sleep.