subject: Should Overweight Pregnant Moms Lose Weight? [print this page] Should Overweight Pregnant Moms Lose Weight?
Weight gain is common among pregnant women, and the majority of doctors recommend a weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds over the course of a pregnancy. Somepregnant moms lose weight due to severe nausea, but a naturally occurring loss in weight is not common.
Overweight women who do not want to gain more weight while pregnant are often advised to keep track of their calorie intake, and to maintain their current weight or gain a minimal amount of weight throughout their pregnancy. Some overweight women who become pregnant want to lose a bit of weight to avoid potential health problems, but wonder if it is safe to do so.
Obesity can cause a variety of health concerns for both mother and child. Gestational diabetes during pregnancy can result in a large baby which could lead to a variety of problems throughout labor and delivery, including the need for a cesarean section. Obesity may contribute to Preeclamsia which results in high blood pressure and fluid retention, and in severe cases can harm the baby. Obese mothers are also at a higher risk of developing a postpartum infection after undergoing a cesarean section.
In the past, weight loss was not recommended to obese pregnant patients but some doctors now believe that losing weight while pregnant may be beneficial to both mother and child. According to Science Daily a Saint Louis University study revealed that it may be safe for obese women to lose weight during pregnancy.
Although many doctors are still not comfortable advising women to lose weight while pregnant, most do encourage their pregnant patients to exercise on a regular basis. Prenatal exercise helps women to control their weight and makes labor, delivery and recovery an easier process.
Cardio exercises like walking or light aerobics are safe for pregnant women, but some women worry that they may harm their baby by overexerting themselves. If a woman is uncertain about which exercises are safe during pregnancy she can take a prenatal exercise class. By choosing a class designed specifically for pregnant women, she can get the exercise she needs in a safe setting.
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