The mental and physical health of the mother drastically reduces the chances of complications during childbirth. Obesity is one of the most common and overlooked diseases globally, like other chronic mental and physical illnesses, maternal obesity can affect the health of the mother as well as the health of the child. Calculating obesity by body mass index, a mother’s BMI of more than 30 is considered obese, we discuss how it may affect obesity on pregnancy and what we can do regarding it, according to what was published by the “ndtv” website.
The ways in which obesity affects pregnancy:
1. Reduce fertility
A high BMI may affect fertilization with regular ovulation, so even if an obese woman ovulates regularly, it can be difficult to get pregnant.
2. Increased risk of unsuccessful IVF
IVF occurs when a woman’s egg is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. Obesity in women may increase the chances of successful IVF.
3. Abortion
Miscarriages and recurrent miscarriages are all conditions in which a child may not survive during pregnancy, and overweight women are prone to these conditions.
4. Heart problems
Obesity in general increases the risk of heart disease, and overweight pregnant women are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
5. Sleep disturbance
Obese people are more susceptible to various sleep disorders. Obese pregnant women may be prone to sleep apnea, which can also be life-threatening.
6. Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that may occur during pregnancy. There are many factors that increase the risk of developing diabetes, among which is obesity.
7. The need for a caesarean section
Overweight women may have to have a C-section when their baby is born. A C-section can make the mother vulnerable to wound infections.
8. Respiratory problems
Obesity increases the risk of respiratory disease, and this risk may be higher in obese mothers.
What can he do?
There are many corrective actions that can help you prevent these complications, and here are some lifestyle changes that can help.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
As discussed, obesity as a whole can affect the health of the mother and child, and the only solution to a safer pregnancy is to achieve a healthy weight before trying to conceive.
2. Check for sleep disturbances
Obese mothers may be prone to obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be life-threatening, so it should be tested before trying to conceive.
3. Avoid unhealthy substances
As you know, unhealthy substances like alcohol, tobacco etc. should be completely avoided during pregnancy, you are also encouraged to avoid them when trying to get pregnant, these habits may increase your risk of various disorders and slow down your weight loss.
4. Check gestational diabetes
Similar to sleep apnea, it’s best to get checked regularly for diabetes before and during pregnancy.
