Obesity During Pregnancy.

Obesity During Pregnancy: How Mother's Weight Affects Baby's Health

Obesity is one of the most common and dangerous health problems in modern society. However, few people know that maternal obesity during pregnancy can have a serious impact on the health of her child. Recent research shows that women who gain excess weight during pregnancy put their children at risk of obesity.

The critical period for the development of obesity is considered to be the last two months of pregnancy and the first month of the child's life. Gynecologists and obstetricians agree that women, while bearing a child, should gradually recover. However, if expectant mothers overindulge and gain too much weight, it could put their children at risk of becoming obese in the future.

In 1990, the American Institute of Medicine published recommendations that women should gain between 11.5 and 16 kg during pregnancy. However, subsequent studies have shown that children born to mothers who gain too much weight during pregnancy may be overweight in the future. Two studies conducted in the United States found that if a child gains 16 kg, a child may be overweight by the age of three.

A Harvard Medical School team led by Matthew Gillman conducted a study that examined 770 pregnant women in Massachusetts, dividing them into three groups - those who gained underweight, enough or overweight, according to the 1990 American Institute of Medicine guidelines. The results of the study showed that only in the group with insufficient weight gain - less than 11.5 kg - the results were what we would like them to be.

Another study conducted by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a correlation between weight gained during pregnancy and obesity in children aged 2 to 4 years. A study of 190,000 families found that if a mother gained more than the recommended 16 kilograms, her child was more likely to be overweight.

Because of this, National Institute for Health and Quality guidelines suggest that women should gain weight during pregnancy according to their individual needs and their doctor's recommendations. This may include dietary adjustments and moderate physical activity under the guidance of a specialist.

In addition, women who are planning to become pregnant must prepare their bodies for pregnancy. This may include weight control, moderate physical activity and proper nutrition.

In general, maternal obesity during pregnancy may increase the risk of obesity in her child in the future. Therefore, women planning a pregnancy, as well as those who are already pregnant, should monitor their weight and healthy lifestyle. If a woman has problems with her weight, she should discuss it with her doctor to get personalized advice on managing her weight during pregnancy.