We are all familiar with the plight of new mothers as they struggle to rid themselves of the weight they gained during pregnancy. Few find it easy, many never return to their pre-pregnancy size. What we haven’t been hearing about until recently is the impact of extra weight before pregnancy. What of the plight of the obese mother to be? Indicators and research show that it can be a periolous journey for the obese and pregnant.
Roughly 20% of expectant mothers are obese when they become pregnant according to the CDC. This growing number is translating into a growing litany of health issues impacting the mother’s, unborn children, and the hospitals that serve them. Evidence suggest that obese mothers are contributing to record high numbers of Caesarean sections, increased risk of birth defects and even greater risk of death for mother and baby.
This fascinating and somewhat frightening New York Times article looks at the perils facing obese mothers as well as at the serious challenges hospitals and doctors face when providing care for these patients. Hospitals, especially in poorer areas can see obese mothers at rates approaching 40%. In some cases, this has forced them to completely rethink their pregnancy care practices, from having to buy new equipment like larger, sturdier exam tables to specialized ultrasound machines better able to see through much thicker layers of fat tissue. Even basic hosptial care like giving a shot is complicated by obese patients because it can be difficult to find a vein.
But the real impact can be seen in the health of the mothers and their children. Diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, increased premature birth rates, and higher maternal death rates are all very critical areas of concern. According to the article, in New York State, two out of three maternal deaths are related to obese mothers. Babies born to obese mothers are nearly three times as likely to die in the first month as compared to babies from mothers of normal weight. Looking at the risk to both mother and baby, obesity and pregnancy are a very unnerving mine field of potential health issues.
Obese or fringe obese women who are considering getting pregnant should consult with a physician about ways they can mitigate these risks. Losing weight before you get pregnant will certainly help make things easier.
