Obesity During Pregnancy: Risks and Precautions
Pregnancy is an important turning point in a woman's life. During this period, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration for both the mother's health and the baby's development. Especially Obesity, stands out as a serious health problem encountered during pregnancy. Defined by the World Health Organization as “excessive fat accumulation in the body,” obesity can threaten the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.
Effects of Obesity in Pregnancy
Obesity can cause various health problems during pregnancy. gestational diabetes, hypertension ve preeclampsia It increases the risk of complications such as. Research shows that women who struggle with obesity are more likely to encounter such health problems during pregnancy. For example, the risk of gestational diabetes is 2.6 times higher, the risk of high blood pressure is 2.5 times higher, and the risk of preeclampsia is 3.2 times higher.
Adverse Effects on Infant Health
Obesity can negatively affect not only the mother but also the baby. The baby in the womb develops with nutrients from the mother and during this process, obesity can affect the baby childhood obesity It increases the risk. Studies show that children whose mothers are obese in the first three months of pregnancy have a 2-fold increased risk of becoming obese when they reach the age of 2. This situation increases to 3 times when they reach the age of 5-2.3. In addition, these babies heart disease, hypertension and non-insulin dependent diabetes The risk of developing chronic diseases such as
What to Do to Prevent Obesity During Pregnancy
It is possible to prevent obesity. In this process, regular nutrition, adequate physical activity and prenatal counseling are very important. Reaching the ideal weight before pregnancy is the most effective way to reduce the risk of obesity. Close monitoring With can help detect and prevent health problems in advance. In the first examination, the mother's diabetes risk, heart health and blood pressure status should be evaluated.
Nutrition and Physical Activity
During pregnancy of expectant mothers healthy eating They need to acquire habits and do enough physical activity. Monthly weight gain should be planned according to the weight at the beginning of pregnancy. For example, it is recommended that expectant mothers with obesity problems do not gain more than 5-9 kilograms. Therefore, a personalized diet program should be created with the help of a dietitian and this program should be adhered to.
- Regular outdoor walks should be made a part of daily life.
- Physical activity should be increased by taking a 30-minute walk outdoors every day.
- It is recommended to do 3 minutes of activity at home three times a day.
Preventive Steps in Combating Obesity
It is possible to take some preventive steps to prevent obesity during pregnancy. These steps are:
- Healthy eating: A balanced and healthy diet is essential to reduce the risk of obesity. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains should be consumed.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise is essential for weight control. Expectant mothers should follow exercise programs with the advice of their doctors.
- Doctor Checks: During pregnancy, regular doctor check-ups should be performed and health conditions should be monitored.
As a Result, Awareness About Obesity
Obesity during pregnancy is a condition that can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, it is very important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits before and during pregnancy. Regular nutrition, physical activity and doctor check-ups play a big role in preventing obesity. It is extremely important for expectant mothers to pay attention to these issues for both their own health and the health of their babies.
