Pregnancy Weight Gain for Overweight Women
I'm overweight. Can I try to gain less weight while pregnant so that I will have less to lose after?
Your pre-pregnancy weight has an impact on you and your baby throughout pregnancy. Overweight and obese women tend to be at greater risk for larger babies, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, prolonged and difficult labors, cesarean births and surgical complications.
Given these risks and the potential complications, I encourage all mothers to maintain a well-balanced diet and exercise program throughout their pregnancy. While it's not appropriate to diet while pregnant, by carefully managing your weight gain you will help your baby and avoid having to lose extra pounds after the baby is born.
The U.S. Institute of Medicine currently recommends an approximate weight gain of 28 to 40 pounds for underweight women, 25 to 30 pounds for normal-weight women, and 15 to 25 pounds for overweight women during pregnancy. If you're starting out overweight, it's especially important that you carefully monitor your weight gain and eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Pregnancy presents a wonderful opportunity to make life-affirming decisions that can improve your health for the rest of your life. Starting now, you can choose to follow a healthy and well-balanced diet and to make positive and healthy exercise choices. With the help of health care professionals, you can secure the best health for you and your baby.
Given these risks and the potential complications, I encourage all mothers to maintain a well-balanced diet and exercise program throughout their pregnancy. While it's not appropriate to diet while pregnant, by carefully managing your weight gain you will help your baby and avoid having to lose extra pounds after the baby is born.
The U.S. Institute of Medicine currently recommends an approximate weight gain of 28 to 40 pounds for underweight women, 25 to 30 pounds for normal-weight women, and 15 to 25 pounds for overweight women during pregnancy. If you're starting out overweight, it's especially important that you carefully monitor your weight gain and eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Pregnancy presents a wonderful opportunity to make life-affirming decisions that can improve your health for the rest of your life. Starting now, you can choose to follow a healthy and well-balanced diet and to make positive and healthy exercise choices. With the help of health care professionals, you can secure the best health for you and your baby.
Answered by
Dr. Karen A. Scott
report abuse
Submit!
