BMI in Pregnancy 

It is important to monitor during pregnancy BMI of a lady to ensure that the health of the mother and child is not affected adversely. Pregnancy obesity can cause complications during pregnancy and therefore, is a good idea to keep the BMI in pregnancy under control.

Could High BMI Interfere with My Ability to Conceive?

High BMI inhibits regular ovulation, and thus, might adversely affect a woman's ability to bear a child. Sometimes, even women who regularly ovulate may find it difficult to conceive if they have a high BMI. It might take longer than usual to get pregnant for obese women or women with a high BMI. Some research also suggests that having a high BMI may negate the effects of IVF (in vitro fertilization), making it difficult to conceive through artificial means.

How Might a High BMI Affect My Pregnancy?

To answer this question, it is first important to understand what is obesity pregnancy. A person is said to be obese when their BMI is greater than or equal to 30. BMI can be calculated by dividing the weight of a person in kilos by the height in meters squared.

Table 1: BMI Ranges

Obesity in pregnancy increases the risk of complications and might cause serious problems for both the mother and child.

Table 2: Obesity Pregnancy Complications

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How Much Weight Should I Gain During Pregnancy?

Rather than focusing on during pregnancy BMI of a lady, it is more useful to consider their pre-pregnancy weight and BMI. This helps to ascertain exactly how much weight gain is safe during pregnancy. The BMI in pregnancy can also be determined with the help of this, along with regular consultations with a gynecologist and obstetrician.

Table 3: Weight Gain During Pregnancy

It is difficult to ascertain a fixed figure for safe weight gain. Thus, most doctors recommend that it is best to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy and keep obesity in pregnancy at bay.

Will I require specialist treatment while pregnant?

If the BMI in pregnancy is above 30, then the mother will require special care. Some recommendations that might be provided by a healthcare professional in such cases are listed below -

1. Gestational diabetes diagnosis

Usually, a screening test known as the glucose challenge is administered to check for early gestational diabetes in women at average to high risk. If the during pregnancy BMI of a lady is greater than 30, this test might be recommended at the first prenatal visit to the doctor. If the tests reveal normal ranges, then a repeat test will have to be taken between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. If the results indicate high glucose levels, then further blood sugar monitoring will be required.

2. Fetal ultrasound

Between weeks 18 to 20 of pregnancy, a standard fetal ultrasound is done to check the baby's growth and anatomy formation. But if there is obesity in pregnancy, it might be difficult for ultrasound waves to penetrate the excess fat tissues, resulting in an unclear or inaccurate reading.

3. Obstructive sleep apnea testing

Sleep apnea is a very serious condition that results in sudden and repeated stopping and starting of breathing during sleep. Pregnant women who already have this condition are at an increased risk of preeclampsia.

What can I do to ensure a safe pregnancy?

High BMI pregnancy can seriously affect the health of the mother and child. But there are a few measures that a mother can adopt to prevent the problem from spiraling out of control:

1. Preconception appointment

Obesity in pregnancy can be prevented by scheduling a consultation with the doctor if the BMI is 30 or higher. Doctors can prescribe prenatal vitamins and a healthy diet to help the expecting mother to reach a safe weight before getting pregnant.

2. Regular prenatal care

It is important not to miss prenatal health checkups. They allow the doctor to monitor the health of the mother and the child and provide corrective measures to prevent obesity pregnancy.

3. Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is a non-negotiable factor in bringing down BMI in pregnancy.

4. Physical fitness

Being active during pregnancy can also keep the BMI pregnancy in check.

5. Quitting substance abuse

Alcohol, smoking, and consumption of illicit drugs also contribute to a dangerous pregnancy. It is best to avoid them.

It is thus important to follow a healthy lifestyle and consult doctors regularly to keep in check the BMI in pregnancy at all times. You can also adopt a healthier lifestyle during pregnancy with Mylo Pregnancy Care Routine which includes pregnancy yoga sessions, Garbha Sanskar sessions and consultation with gynecologists and health coaches. It can help you manage your weight trimester wise, reduce backache and leg swelling, boost energy levels and manage gestational diabetes and BP.