Overweight and obese women are at risk of developing diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy. They are also more likely to go cesarean deliveries. When the mother is obese, there are greater chances of fetal death (The 7th month of pregnancy or at term), Premature delivery, and birth of infants with cardiac defects, neural tube defects, or birth weight greater than 4 Kg.
For overweight women weight gain of only 7-10 Kg is advised unlike 10-12 Kg recommended for normal women. This allows for adequate fetal growth without increasing material adipose (fatty)tissue.
At the same time pregnant women who are overweight should remember that pregnancy is not an appropriate time to diet. Dieting will decrease the amount of nutrients the baby receives and will affect the baby’s growth and development. They should choose nutritious foods but avoid unnecessary, calorie-rich foods.
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