Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Obesity is a condition where body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30. Excessive fat accumulates in the body. Poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles are the main contributors to obesity. However, genetic makeup also plays a role. Socio-economic factors such as limited access to healthy food options can lead to obesity. Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause obesity. In this article, we discuss the link between pregnancy and obesity.
Can obese women get pregnant?
Infertility refers to the failure to conceive even after trying for 12 months or more. The risk of infertility is three times higher in women with obesity than others. Obesity can cause irregularities in the menstrual cycle and the absence of ovulation in women. In obese women, there may be an increased level of secretion of male hormones. These hormones prevent the proper development of follicles in the ovaries.
Moreover, studies show that obese women take longer to get pregnant. The damaging effects of obesity on the egg, the uterus lining, and embryonic development cause the delay. Obesity reduces the conception rate in women.
In obese women, there is excessive fat (adipose) tissue. The greater the fat tissue, it releases more harmful chemicals (adipokines) than beneficial ones. As a result, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) worsens in obese women. PCOS increases the challenges of infertility. It enhances levels of male hormones and the chances of a lack of ovulation.
In addition to PCOS, hypothyroidism is also common in overweight women. The imbalance of thyroid hormones in women is a likely cause of miscarriage. Pregnancy and obesity are related to illnesses of the female reproductive system.
Studies also report that obese women are vitamin D deficient. The higher the BMI, the greater the vitamin D deficiency. Moreover, obese mothers give birth to children with lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency causes many pregnancy complications and abnormalities in the baby.
Furthermore, obesity and overweight can cause infertility in men as well. Obese men have a higher likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction.
Since the chances of conception are low in obese women, they may take fertility treatment. But even that does not completely solve the problem. Studies report that obese women have poor results after in-vitro fertilisation procedures.
Research does not state that obese women cannot conceive at all. It states that there are low chances of conception in obese women.
Does obesity cause complications during pregnancy?
Obese, pregnant women are at risk of developing complications. One of the major complications is gestational diabetes. The womb secretes different hormones such as growth hormone, which block the production of insulin. High blood sugar levels due to gestational diabetes may result in various problems including premature birth. The chances of type 2 diabetes in pregnant women also increase if they have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes may also harm the baby as they may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), macrosomia, and problems with their heart functions. There may even be a risk of miscarriage.
Obese women can develop pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia). A waist circumference greater than 80cm before pregnancy is a risk factor for it. Obese women have a 50% higher chance of developing hypertension than women with a normal BMI. Hypertension can cause premature birth. Premature babies may have difficulty in breathing and developmental problems.
Obese women also have a chance of developing obstructive sleep apnoea. In this condition, breathing stops for a while during sleep. It can cause tiredness, heart, and lung problems during pregnancy.
Additionally, obesity during pregnancy can cause structural and functional irregularities in the baby. The baby may be born with heart defects and nervous system defects. The child is also prone to developing metabolic syndrome and obesity. Studies show that obese women are at a greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth than normal-weight women.
Pregnancy and obesity together can make the foetus larger than normal (macrosomia). In this condition, there are risks of injury to the baby during delivery. It also increases the chances of having a caesarean delivery.
How should obese women maintain their weight during pregnancy?
Ideally, obese women should try to reduce their weight before pregnancy. It will reduce the harmful effects of obesity on the mother and her baby.
Women with a BMI greater than 30 can gain 5-9 kg of weight during pregnancy. However, they should prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Weight management involves eating a balanced diet and exercising.
In terms of diet, obese women should eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. They should avoid sugars and solid fats. Your dietician can guide you about foods to consume during specific trimesters of pregnancy.
Women who were overweight before pregnancy need a greater number of calories during pregnancy. Adding two healthy snacks in the morning and afternoon is ideal to meet the calorie budget.
It is best to do moderate aerobic physical activity, like brisk walking, for 150 minutes per week. It is safe to exercise for pregnant women. However, discuss it with your doctor in case of doubt. Pregnancy and obesity need a team of healthcare providers like doctors, nurses, midwives, and dieticians. The whole team counsels the pregnant mother on how to manage obesity accurately. It is important to meet with your healthcare team regularly.
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