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Still happy, becoming a mother is not the prerogative of thin women! But according to scientists, being overweight or obese could affect fertility.
Extra pounds and a baby craving
As much to be warned, the gynecologists do not appreciate the extra pounds… Overweight or obese women all hear the same refrain, “Go on a diet and come back!”, When they consult for a desire for motherhood. A message often badly accepted, as if the fact of not returning to the “norm” was incompatible with that of becoming a mother. For some practitioners, this borders on “grossophobia”. Do not let yourself be disassembled and if necessary change practitioner until your request is taken into account.
Fortunately, it is quite possible to get pregnant and deliver a perfectly healthy baby with a BMI (Body mass index = weight (kg) / height (m) ²) greater than 25! However, it is important to know the risks associated with this type of pregnancy.
Difficulties that begin at conception
Without there being any real medical explanation, polycystic ovary syndrome is more common in overweight women. A disorder, harmful to the proper functioning of the “machine”. There is thus infertility by absence of ovulation three times more frequent in the event of overweight. The simple fact of making these patients lose 5% of their weight would often be enough to restore ovulation.
Despite everything, some resort to medically assisted procreation. Here again, the game is not won. Because the importance of the waist size, more than that of the weight itself, also plays on the effectiveness of ovarian stimulation or in vitro fertilization.
But rest assured, if some have to deal with the vagaries of their body, others will recall that they took less time than their “thin girlfriends” to get pregnant!
The BMI is classified according to the following reference values:
- IMC < 15 : dénutrition
- 15 < IMC < 18,5 : maigreur
- 18,5 < IMC < 25 : corpulence normale
- 25 < IMC < 30 : surpoids
- 30 < IMC < 40 : obésité
- BMI> 40: morbid obesity
A full-bodied pregnancy!
Pregnancies under close surveillance
According to several studies, the risk of gestational diabetes is multiplied by a factor of 2 to 6 in an overweight woman, and by a factor of 7 to 20 in the event of obesity. The risk of arterial hypertension is 6 to 8 times higher in overweight expectant mothers, compared to those with a “normal” or “thin” build. Not to mention the increased risks of miscarriage, fetal malformations, macrosomia (large baby at birth), etc.
A generous waist size can also lower the image quality of ultrasound scans. Researchers have noted a 20% decrease in test reliability in pregnant women with a BMI over 30.
Regarding childbirth, once again, overweight or obese women are at a disadvantage! Medical equipment is not always suitable: monitoring, for example, may encounter difficulties in recording contractions. Cesarean section is often indicated, but the removal of the baby is sometimes complicated due to the thickness of the abdomen. Finally, we note a higher failure rate of the epidural, the dose of anesthetic required being greater in a patient with a large body.
Not all that easy when you are a future mother and in a situation of obesity!
Losing weight at all costs?
By thus exposing the risks of pregnancy in the event of overweight, it is in no way a matter of making future mothers feel guilty who display extra pounds on the scales… The eyes of society weigh enough! Simply, invite them to be more vigilant.
A “light” pregnancy
The goal is not to starve for nine months, but to eat the best possible diet to limit weight gain. For an idea, an obese woman can gain up to 7 kilos without worries, during her pregnancy. Beyond that, caution!
The best solution ? Be accompanied by a nutritionist or dietitian. Some specialize in monitoring pregnant women. Ask your gynecologist for more information.
Note: fitting a gastric band is completely compatible with pregnancy. In the United States, it is even indicated by doctors.
Recommended weight gain during pregnancy based on BMI:
- IMC < 20 :12,5 à 18 kg
- BMI between 20 and 26: 11,5 to 16 kg
- BMI between 26 and 29: 7 to 11,5 kg
- IMC > 29 : 7 kg