A Healthy Pregnancy

Thinking About Getting Pregnant? Think about your weight

One important step you can take to help ensure a healthy pregnancy is to consider your weight before even getting pregnant. Obesity has major effects on placental, embryonic, and fetal growth. Obese mothers are more likely to have large for gestational age (LGA) babies than lean moms, no matter how much weight they gain during pregnancy.

We know that certain birth defects are more common in babies born to obese women. For example, obese mothers are twice as likely to have babies with spina bifida as non-obese mothers. Some pregnancy problems such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are more common with obese women. These pregnancy complications are dangerous to the women themselves and to their developing baby. Here's more information from the CDC on obesity and birth defects.

Babies get metabolic "signals" from their moms by direct transfer of nutrients such as glucose and amino acids through the placenta. Indirect signals also occur by transfer of hormones such as insulin. Obese mothers are more likely to have larger babies, which are in turn more likely to have a cesarean birth or shoulder dystocia.

If a woman's obesity affects her circulation, it may reduce the oxygen that reaches the baby. This will slow baby's growth, resulting in a baby that is much smaller than expected.

So what should you weigh before getting pregnant? Calculate your current body mass index (BMI).

If you are thinking about getting pregnant, but your BMI shows that you are "obese" or "very obese," consider waiting until you have worked on losing weight so you're as healthy as you can be.

Check with your doctor about starting a moderate exercise program. Most women with healthy pregnancies will be able to continue their usual exercise routines. Don't have a routine? A daily walk is beneficial. Swimming provides buoyancy and ease of movement as your size increases. Many communities offer pregnancy aerobics or yoga classes. In addition to the exercise, some women enjoy the social aspect of these classes, networking with other women about pregnancy and birthing and infant issues.

Pre-pregnancy weight loss is an area where you can make a significant difference in your health and the health of your baby. Make the effort. It's worth it!