Are you fat before you get pregnant? this is a possible risk

Are you preparing for your pregnancy? One of the things that you must prepare before becoming pregnant is your weight. Yes, your weight before pregnancy can affect your health during pregnancy. So, you are advised to have a normal weight before becoming pregnant. Then, what if I have a fat body before getting pregnant? What could happen?

What risks may occur if I am overweight before becoming pregnant?

Pre-pregnancy weight can affect your weight during pregnancy. Women who have a body fat before pregnancy tend to have excess weight also during pregnancy. In fact, to get a healthy pregnancy, you are advised to have a normal weight during pregnancy.

Being overweight during pregnancy puts your pregnancy at risk for both you and the fetus. Some of the risks that can occur during pregnancy if you are overweight are:

Gestational diabetes. Obese pregnant women have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. This can cause the baby to grow so large that it needs to be delivered by cesarean delivery.
Preeclampsia. This condition can affect the overall health of pregnant women. Preeclampsia that is already severe can cause impaired kidney and liver function.
Sleep apnea. Obese pregnant women are also more at risk of developing sleep apnea. This condition can cause fatigue and also increase the risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and heart and lung disorders.
Premature birth. Research from Stanford University School of Medicine shows that women who are obese before becoming pregnant have a higher risk of having a premature baby before 28 weeks of gestation. Meanwhile, preterm birth at 28-37 weeks of gestation was found not to be associated with maternal obesity.

In addition, obesity during pregnancy can also put babies at higher risk for birth defects, macrosomia (the size of the baby is larger than normal), premature birth, and stillbirths.

A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States also showed that women who were obese before becoming pregnant were two to three times more likely to have babies with heart defects and birth defects.

Not only is it associated with risks during pregnancy, but excess weight before pregnancy can also be linked to problems that can occur after giving birth. A study found that being overweight or obese can also decrease the level of the hormone prolactin (breastfeeding hormone) after childbirth. This can cause women who are overweight tend to stop breastfeeding earlier than women who are of normal weight.

Should I lose weight before I get pregnant?

If you have a fat body, losing weight before becoming pregnant is the best way to have a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Losing at least 5-7% of your current body weight or around 4.5 to 9 kg can improve your overall health and increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Do weight loss in a healthy way by changing your lifestyle to be healthier. Consuming a nutritionally balanced diet and doing regular exercise are the healthiest ways to lose weight. You will lose weight when you eat less energy than you put in through activity.