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According to Deidre Murphy and Jennifer Walsh, two Obstetricians from Dublin, even small changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) between pregnancies can affect health. Mothers who put on or lose a lot of weight between pregnancies are putting themselves and their babies at risk.

A two unit increase in BMI doubles the risk of having a large baby, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. Larger increase adds to this risk and there is a greater risk of stillbirth and other complications.

Losing weight, on the other hand, increases the risk of having premature babies or low birth weight babies.

Their message is clear. Maintain a healthy weight before, during and after pregnancy and remain at the same weight before the next pregnancy.

Dr. Walsh said, “Women of reproductive age are bombarded with messages about diet, weight and body image. There is growing concern on the one hand about an epidemic of obesity, and on the other about a culture that promotes ’size zero’ as desirable, irrespective of a woman’s natural build.

Pregnancy is one of the most nutritionally demanding periods of a woman’s life, with an adequate supply of nutrients essential to support foetal well-being and growth.

With at least half of all pregnancies unplanned, women need to be aware of the implications of their weight for pregnancy, birth and the health of their babies.”

Their review cited the Swedish Study of 207,534 women between 1992 and 2001 and assessed the link between BMI changes and the impact on the pregnancy and the mother’s health.

Tam Fry, member of the National Obesity Forum said, “I think these doctors are absolutely right.”
He said that being overweight is also associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This can result if difficulty in conceiving.

Women should be aiming for a normal weight before they have their second child.

Dr. Phil Hariram.
Diet and Pregnancy.