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Obesity
and pregnancy complications on the rise
Pregnancy
is a fulfilling and wonderful time of life which every to-be-mother
deserves the right to enjoy to the fullest. Good nutrition, healthy
lifestyle and loving and sufficient prenatal care - a combination
of all these factors are enough to pave the way for a healthy
pregnancy and safe motherhood for all expecting women. But what
must never find a place in pregnancy is obesity. Maternal obesity
and pregnancy complications are directly linked and these complications
can range from gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean delivery
and preeclampsia to fetal death, birth defects and risks of type
2 diabetes occurring in the child later in his life. Considering
the fact that obesity has reached scaring heights in US and every
1 out of 5 women is found to be obese at the onset of pregnancy,
the situation has become really alarming and is in need of immediate
rectification.
Increasing weight and pregnancy, more often than not, go hand
in hand and given the mad rush for proper nutrition for mother
and the baby during pregnancy, it is, in fact quite easy to put
on pounds during this time, if one is not careful about the diet.
An expecting mother must know her right nutritional requirements
and avoid "eating for two" every time she eats or drinks
anything. This is a myth which holds no truth in reality and can
actually prove to be harmful if followed like that.
Rising obesity and pregnancy complications have become a major
cause of worry for gynecologists and obstetricians and they are
repeatedly stressing on the importance of nutritional counseling
and healthier diets for expecting moms.
Increased risks
· Miscarriage
· Pre-eclampsia
· Neural birth defects
· Increased chances of cesarean delivery
· Hypertension
· Carpal Tunnel syndrome
· Heartburn
· Birth defects
To avoid obesity and pregnancy complications a to-be-mother must
follow some recommendations -
· Gain weight sensibly. A skinny woman, during her term
time can afford to gain 25-35 pounds of weight but an already
overweight woman must not gain more than 15-25 pounds. And obese
to-be-moms must take care not to surpass the 15 pounds mark, under
any circumstances.
· Food choices now must incline towards the healthier versions
and must include more of fresh fruits and veggies.
· Some form of mild exercise is recommended (like a daily
walk) to keep the joints supple and control blood pressure.
· Regular check-ups and consultation with the doctor is
a must.
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