Obesity and Pregnancy
Obesity can cause complications during pregnancy like high blood pressure, a condition called pre-eclampsia (see other miniblog), early delivery, and gestational diabetes. Since maternal obesity can also cause a larger than normal fetus and increase the risk for birth defects, the fetus is at increased risk for injury at birth if vaginal delivery is attempted and increased possibility for a cesarean birth.
How Much Weight Are You Supposed to Gain?
The answer to this question is based on mom’s starting weight. Approximately 340 extra calories and 450 extra calories are needed per fetus in the 2nd trimester and 3rd trimesters, respectively. See the following chart from the CDC for a chart on the weight (in pounds) it is suggested to gain.
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Written by Paavana Varanasi
Sources:
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-weight-gain.htm
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