Weight management in pregnancy

Obesity in pregnancy is one of factors contributing to poorer pregnancy and delivery results. Therefore it is adviced to adjust maternal weight before pregnancy and maintaining optimal weight while pregnant.
Weight is evaluated by BMI Body Mass Index, you can calculate yours on  BMI Calculator.

Many hospitals provide specialised clinics like Cedar Clinic of Epsom and St Helier University Hospital, part of NHS  in UK for mothers with MBI more than 35.

"The aim of this pioneering clinic is to provide support, advice and individualised care, with dignity and respect for your wishes, and to achieve a good outcome for you and your baby.At your first appointment with the Cedar team, a detailed history of your medical and personal history will be taken and we will give advice in regards to your nutrition and physical activities.

We will do a body composition analysis with an "In Body 720" Analyser. You will also have an individualised care plan.

Pregnancy provides you with the golden opportunity to make changes regarding your lifestyle, with immediate and long-term effects for you and your family. This is especially important, if your Body Mass Index (BMI) has been identified as significantly raised (more than 30 kg/m).

Obesity has been recognised as a risk factor for developing complications in pregnancy and childbirth (CEMACH, 2007), such as:

For the mother: 

• recurrent miscarriages;
• gestational diabetes;
• high blood pressure;
• increased caesarian section rates and complications during birth (long labour, increased bleeding post delivery);
• wound infection etc.

For the baby:

• prematurity;
• big babies;
• difficulties in delivering the baby's shoulders;
• subsequent child obesity;
• low breastfeeding rates / feeding problems;
• stillbirths etc