Weight monitoring tips for pregnant women with overweight or obesity

Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and birth defects. However, if a pregnant woman keeps her weight well controlled during pregnancy, these risks can be prevented.
Content reviewed by Specialist Doctor Level I Le Pham Anh Vy - Head of Nutrition Department - American International Hospital (AIH)

How do overweight and obesity affect pregnancy?

• Overweight or obesity means the mother's body mass index before pregnancy is high (BMI: >25)
• Overweight and obesity during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby, increasing the risk of several serious health problems:

For the mother:

• Increased risk of high blood pressure - pre-eclampsia
• Increased risk of gestational diabetes
• Risk of sleep apnoea.

For the baby:

• Birth defects: Babies born to women with obesity have a higher risk of birth defects, such as heart defects and neural tube defects (NTDs).
• Difficulty with diagnostic tests on ultrasound: a thick abdominal wall can make diagnosis by ultrasound harder. Checking the baby's heart rate during labour is also much more difficult for pregnant women with obesity.
• Baby growing too large: This increases the risk of the baby being injured during birth (shoulder dystocia). Very large newborns have a higher risk of obesity later in life.
• Premature birth
• Stillbirth

What to keep in mind when monitoring weight in pregnant women with overweight or obesity?

• Controlling weight gain during pregnancy is very important for the health of mother and baby. According to the recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition, pregnant women who are overweight or obese should gain about 15% of their pre-pregnancy weight. Of this, they should gain 200-300g/week in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Monitoring your weight during pregnancy:

• Monitor your weight throughout pregnancy: start as soon as you become pregnant. Tips for weighing:
• Weigh yourself regularly every week (choose a fixed day of the week)
• Weigh yourself at the same time of day (for example in the morning after going to the toilet)
• Wear thin, light clothing when weighing
• Write down the date and your weight to keep track.

Reference: www.acog.org