One of the most significant issues in pregnancy: Obesity negatively affects the health of both mother and baby!

Obesity, defined by the World Health Organization as 'abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health,' has become a global public health issue in recent years. Because obesity increases the risk of developing many chronic diseases, it is also a leading cause of death worldwide. Acıbadem Kartal Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halenur Bozdağ stated that women are more affected by obesity, the prevalence of which is increasing in our country along with the rest of the world, and says, 'So much so that according to the report of the Turkey Nutrition and Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2017, while the prevalence of obesity in men is 24.6 percent, this rate rises to 39.1 percent in women. Data from many studies show that the prevalence of obesity in women in the 20-39 age group of reproductive age is 20-35 percent and that there is a gradual increase in the prevalence of morbid obesity.' 

Increases the risk of childhood obesity by 2 times! 

Specialist Dr. Bozdağ pointed out that the pregnancy process requires regular and close follow-up in expectant mothers experiencing obesity, stating, “Obesity can threaten the health of both the expectant mother and the baby. For example, the risk of developing childhood obesity, which is a significant problem of our age and whose prevalence is gradually increasing, is significantly higher in the babies of these mothers. Studies reveal a relationship between maternal obesity in the first 3 months of pregnancy and childhood obesity. According to the study results, while the risk of children whose mothers were obese in the first 3 months of pregnancy being obese by the age of 2 increases by 2 times, this risk increases to 2.3 times when they reach the ages of 3-5,” she warns. 

Paves the way for heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes in babies!

Emphasizing that the physiology of babies adapts to the nutrients coming from the mother during pregnancy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halenur Bozdağ pointed out that this adaptation can permanently change the metabolism of babies, saying, “These changes, which are programmed while in the womb, pave the way for various diseases that appear later in life, including heart disease, hypertension, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes, in addition to obesity in babies.” 

CAN LEAD TO PERMANENT PROBLEMS IN THE MOTHER! 

Obesity can cause serious health problems not only in the baby in the womb but also in the expectant mother during pregnancy. The specialist summarizes these diseases as follows: 'In expectant mothers experiencing obesity, gestational diabetes increases by 2.6 times, high blood pressure during pregnancy by 2.5 times, and preeclampsia by 3.2 times. While additional problems such as blood clots in the veins can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period, health problems such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure can become permanent after birth.' 

CAN BE PREVENTED WITH CLOSE FOLLOW-UP AND TREATMENT

“Regular nutrition, sufficient physical activity, and above all, starting pregnancy at an ideal weight and receiving prenatal counseling for this is an effective and accessible way to prevent problems from occurring,” she says. Close follow-up from the first weeks of pregnancy is of great importance to minimize the risks that obesity will create.  

Stating that health problems that may be caused by obesity are investigated during the first examination, the following information was shared:

'For this, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, which is a three-month blood glucose indicator, and a glucose tolerance test if necessary, are performed. Blood lipids and, if needed, a cardiological evaluation may be requested for heart health. Blood pressure monitoring can be measured daily, and the expectant mother is informed about findings such as headache or blurred vision accompanying high blood pressure. The baby's development, weight gain, the status of being affected by maternal risk factors, and well-being are evaluated at every visit.'

HEALTHY NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ARE ESSENTIAL

It has been emphasized that monthly weight gain should be managed in a planned manner in expectant mothers who start their pregnancy overweight or with obesity. In this process, it was stated that a healthy diet and calorie control are ensured by creating a personalized nutrition program accompanied by a dietitian.

Drawing attention to the importance of physical activity, it was stated that expectant mothers should be supported regarding regular exercise: 'Regular outdoor walks should become a part of daily life. Doing a 30-minute outdoor walk every day or 20 minutes of activity 3 times a day at home is extremely important for a healthy pregnancy.'

If there is an obesity problem, no more than 5-9 kilos should be gained! 

How much weight should be gained during pregnancy varies according to the weight at the beginning of pregnancy. It is recommended that expectant mothers who are underweight according to their Body Mass Index gain 12.5-18 kilos by the end of pregnancy; those at an ideal weight gain 11.5-16 kilos; and those who are overweight gain 7-11.5 kilos. It is important that expectant mothers experiencing obesity do not gain more than 5-9 kilos. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halenur Bozdağ says, “In general, a maximum weight gain of 2 kilos per month is recommended for pregnant women who are underweight and of normal weight according to their Body Mass Index, and a maximum of one kilo is recommended for pregnant women who are overweight or have obesity.”