Obesity during pregnancy has become a common issue, and this problem affects not only the mother but also the fetus, according to doctors who are seeking appropriate methods to manage and control obesity. A report published by the "Health Shots" website, which specializes in health news, and reviewed by "Al-Arabiya.net," states that maternal obesity has become an increasingly concerning issue in the healthcare community, as it is linked to a wide range of negative outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Doctors indicate that obesity can have severe consequences for the mother’s health during pregnancy, with one major concern being the increased risk of gestational diabetes, a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin during pregnancy. This can lead to complications such as macrosomia (abnormally large baby), or preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure), or a higher likelihood of needing a cesarean delivery.
Doctors confirm that maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of various pregnancy complications, including:
First: Gestational Hypertension
Overweight women are more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, increasing the risk of preeclampsia and other cardiovascular complications.
Second: Postpartum Hemorrhage
There is an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage for women who are severely obese during pregnancy, as they are more likely to experience excessive bleeding after delivery, which can threaten their lives if not treated promptly.
Third: Blood Clots
Obesity is a known risk factor for the development of blood clots, which can lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Fourth: Maternal Mortality
Maternal mortality refers to women who die during childbirth. Studies have shown that obesity during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality, which underscores the urgent need for effective interventions and preventive strategies.
The "Health Shots" report also highlights the effects of maternal obesity on children, indicating that a major concern is the increased risk of congenital anomalies, such as neural tube defects and heart defects. Overweight women are more likely to have babies with birth defects, which can have long-term consequences for the child's health and quality of life.
Among the concerns and risks faced by the child because of maternal obesity are:
First: Macrosomia
Macrosomia refers to children who are significantly larger than normal. Children born to obese mothers are more likely to be larger, which can increase the risk of complications during birth, such as shoulder dystocia and birth injuries.
Second: Stillbirth
Stillbirth occurs when the baby dies in the womb, and most of these cases happen during pregnancy before the woman goes into labor. Studies have shown that maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, highlighting the importance of close monitoring and early intervention to prevent these devastating outcomes.
Third: Childhood Obesity
Children born to mothers who are severely obese are more likely to become obese themselves, perpetuating the cycle of obesity and related health issues. Previous research has indicated that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy and excessive weight gain during pregnancy triples the risk of childhood obesity.
Fourth: Metabolic Disorders
Maternal obesity has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic disorders in offspring, including type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, which can have long-term consequences for the child's health.
How can maternal obesity be managed?
The "Health Shots" report states that addressing maternal obesity requires a multifaceted approach. Key strategies to help reduce risks and promote healthy pregnancies include preconception counseling, where educating women of reproductive age about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy can help reduce the risks of complications associated with obesity.
Additionally, comprehensive prenatal care is crucial, as providing close monitoring, nutritional guidance, and appropriate interventions for overweight pregnant women can alleviate risks and improve outcomes for both mother and child.
Moreover, promoting healthy lifestyle habits is critical, which involves encouraging and supporting pregnant women to engage in regular physical activity, adopt a balanced diet, and manage stress to contribute to better health outcomes.
