By Joseph Hazan,M.D.,FACOG
It is determined that 29% of women
between the ages of 20 and 39 are obese.
Overall the rate of obesity has reached
32% and continues to increase.
BMI (body mass index) which is calculated
by taking the weight in kilograms
and dividing it by the height in m2.
BMI 25 kg/m2 is considered overweight
and 30 kg/m2 is considered obese.
Obesity predisposes to diabetes,
hypertension,
pregnancy loss and neural
tube defect, spina bifida, heart defects,
cleft palate, cleft lip and anal atresia.
There are also difficulties with delivery,
including cesarean section and also
with anesthesia.
Following delivery there is an increased
risk of thromboembolism.
Nutritional help and vitamin and mineral
supplementation is required.
In most cases for overweight and obese
individuals weight gain would need to
be limited to below 25 lbs during pregnancy.
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