Overweight Pregnancy

Dangers of Overweight In Pregnancy

Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases, namely heart disease, stroke, diabetes and many others. What if obesity experienced by pregnant women? The risk not only on the mother, but also pose a risk to the fetus.

Babies born from mothers who are obese can suffer birth defects such as Spina Bifida, a congenital disorder where the bottom of the neural tube does not close completely. The result can occur paralysis, disturbances in controlling bowel movement and sometimes can be accompanied by hydrocephalus ('head of water').

Besides the risk to infants, obesity can bring the mother suffered from hypertension, pre eclampsia and eclampsia (convulsions in pregnancy), and diabetes in pregnancy.

For mothers who had normal weight, weight gain during pregnancy is recommended between 11-16 kg. But for women who have excess weight, weight gain is only between 6.5 to 11 kg. As for mothers who are obese, weight gain of less than 6.5 kg is recommended. But first, consult with a physician, for mother and child would be born to a healthy and safe.