A recent release from the U.K. National Institute of Health and
Clinical Excellence (NICE) says that about half of women of childbearing
age are either overweight or obese.
In new guidelines for doctors
and midwives, women need reliable information on how to manage their
weight because of serious health risks that face obese women and their
babies.
The purpose of the new guidelines is to enable health
professionals to help women have a healthy pregnancy as there are more
risks associated with pregnancies in women who have a Body Mass Index of
over 30 when they become pregnant says NICE director, Mike Kelly.
The
guidelines also suggest that women who are obese before they become
pregnant should be encouraged to lose weight even before they conceive.
Studies
have revealed that there is a lot of benefits for obese pregnant women
if they exercised moderately and not gain weight or even lose a few
pounds during pregnancy. The popular belief in the past was that
pregnancy is not a time to start an exercise program and that pregnant
women should "take it easy" as women "eat for two" during pregnancy. But
today, that belief has changed.
British health experts say
"eating for two" is no excuse to become obese during pregnancy. The
guidelines specifically advise women to stay away from fried foods and
sweets and watch portion of sizes even if they crave to do otherwise.
According
to the guidelines, "health professionals should encourage women to
check their weight and waist measurement periodically or as an
alternative, check the fit of their clothes".
Women who exercised
and did not gain weight had normal weight babies, whereas obese women
who gain more weight during pregnancy face the risk of hypertension,
diabetes, asthma and other health risks to their babies.
Health
experts therefore recommend a healthy diet along with exercise. Visit a
Registered Dietitian to learn how to eat during pregnancy.
In
conclusion, obese women are advised to lose weight and start exercising
well before they become pregnant. But if you are obese and get pregnant,
talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program. Ensure that
you visit your doctor regularly to enable him monitor your progress.
Your health and the health of your baby are very important. Moderate
exercise is very beneficial to you and your baby; but always decide with
your doctor before you start an exercise program.
Want to learn more about weight loss during pregnancy? Go to
[http://www.weightlossduringpregnancy.net] for more information now!
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